The Healthy Homes Coalition offers mold and moisture assessments for families in the Grand Rapids area that have children with asthma. Click here for our page on asthma triggers. 

Contact us for more information or to sign up for our Lead Hazard Protection Program.

About Mold & Moisture

Mold can grow anywhere it has adequate moisture and food, including walls, ceilings, carpets, furniture, and concrete.  It is usually found in areas that have been flooded, areas with leaky pipes, or areas with high condensation such as bathrooms and basements.

Who is at Risk?

As well as being a trigger for asthma and allergic reactions, people with weakened immune systems (children, elderly and those recovering from surgery) may be more vulnerable to health effects from molds.

Solutions

When mold becomes a problem in the home, the moisture that is causing the mold problem needs to be addressed before efforts to clean up the existing mold will be successful.

Once the moisture problem has been addressed, the existing mold can be removed.  The EPA suggests that if the area is less than ten square feet it is a job you can do your self.  Those involved with the cleanup project should wear rubber gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator.  Hard, non-porous surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water and dried immediately.  Any porous or absorbent surface that is affected by mold, such as drywall, fabrics, or upholstered furniture, should be removed and replaced.

A professional who has extensive training and experience should deal with areas larger than ten square feet. Since there is no government certification program, be sure to check reference and compare multiple bids. Be wary of contractors who offer testing and abatement in one package.  It is often better if the firm conducting the testing has not relationship to the firm making the repairs.