TAHLEQUAH — A silent, insidious predator may be living behind the walls of your home, causing everything from minor rashes to serious respiratory problems.

Worse yet, you may not ever know it’s there unless you decide to remodel. What began as a $10,000 project could result in a hefty price increase should you find mold behind the drywall.

September is Mold Awareness Month, and considering the high humidity levels often found in the area, local officials believe it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks mold infestation can create.

In late 2007, toxigenic mold was found in Tahlequah’s City Hall, forcing an extensive clean-up operation. According to Daily Press reports, a survey conducted in August 2007 by Alan M. Segnar Inc., of Bixby, indicated certain areas of the building contained Aspergillus Versicolor, a genus of mold found indoors. Certain species are harmful to human health and cause infections or allergic responses.

For home owners, the occurrence of undetected mold growth can be disastrous. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water and mold damage cost insurers approximately $2.5 billion a year. Mold can be prevented and treated by paying attention to the details of a home, in its design, construction and maintenance.

Andrea Taylor, an environmental specialist with the Cherokee Nation, said many time people are concerned about the type of mold they have growing in their home.

“Normally, people like to have us inspect to see what kind of mold it is [they have growing in their home],” said Taylor. “I recommend people not take the time to discover the type, but immediately eradicate it.”

Taylor said depending on the amount of mold found and the space involved, cleanup can sometimes be performed by the homeowner.

“If you’re talking about an area of 10 square feet or less, you can clean it yourself,” said Taylor. “If the area is larger, you need to have a professional come in to seal off the air returns.”

Taylor said if the homeowner can handle the cleanup, the solution is quick and inexpensive.

“A 10 percent bleach solution is best to clean the area,” she said. “The biggest thing involved in cleanup is to remove the water source. If it remains, so does the mold.”

If mold is growing on drywall to the extent the surface becomes soft, Taylor said the drywall should be replaced, along with cleaning the space and repairing any water leaks.

A normal home should have a humidity level of about 40-60 percent, said Taylor. To reduce or regulated home humidity, residents should use kitchen vent-hoods and bathroom fans.

“But it’s important that both vent hoods and fans are properly vented all the way outside the home,” said Taylor.

“In many instances, they either vent to the attic, or just recirculate through the home. Some people don’t like using them due to the noise, but they are effective in reducing moisture. They should also let them run for at least 10-20 minutes after cooking or showering.”

Taylor said dehumidifiers can help, if humidity levels in the home are above 60 percent.

“But you don’t want to get it below that, or it’s uncomfortable,” said Taylor. “If you have a high humidity level, there’s probably a good reason – like a leak or improper venting. Basement areas are good for dehumidifier in the winter especially.”

According to the Enviromental Protection Agency, a good first place to look for mold is the interior walls of a home, specifically the insulation and gypsum board. Fiberglass provides excellent insulating performance that does not absorb moisture.

Children are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections. According to the American Lung Association, asthma accounts for an estimated 10.1 million lost school days in children annually, making it the leading cause of chronic illness among children.

Dr. Shannon Goodsell, superintendent of Tahlequah Public Schools, said air quality is a priority for the district.

“A clean school is a good school,” said Goodsell.

“We currently clean the ducts in the building thoroughly, and rotate duct-cleaning services among each site on an annual basis.”

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Homeowners can minimize the risk of mold by keeping these tips in mind:

• Fix any water leaks

• Clean and dry any damp furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

• Clean hard surfaces with water and detergent and allow them to dry completely.

• Prevent condensation on cold surfaces by adding fiberglass insulation.

• Do not install carpeting in areas where there may be a perpetual moisture problem.

• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates to reduce moisture in the air.

• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside.

Source: CertainTeed Corporation