There's been a lot of interest in the story today in The Sun about mold growing in the fancy Harborview apartment building.
That had me take a look back at our coverage of mold, allergens and chemicals that can make people sick in their own homes.
I found some tips that may help:
+Keep the basement dry to keep mold from growing. Wipe up moisture and use your shower vent to control moisture. If you see moisture near a vent or smell it, have your duct work inspected. Carpeting and wallboard that get moldly can't effectively be cleaned and must be removed -- and quickly so mold doesn't spread. Soap and water or vinegar, not bleach, will clean up most mold you can see on hard surfaces.
+Make sure the house is properly ventilated to improve air quality. Change your house air filter monthly, or whenever it looks dirty.
+Humidity should be at about 40 percent. Too much promotes mold growth, and too little moisture can be irritating. If there's moisture on the window, humidity is too high. Use the exhaust fan for 10 minutes after a shower and air conditioning to cut humidity and a whole house humidifier to raise humidity.
+Keep use of household cleaners and sprays made from chemicals to a minimum because they can irritate and poison. Use a mop dampened with water once a week to lift ordinary dirt and allergens.
+Air out new carpeting, stain-treated furniture, or anything with that new smell outdoors because they probably contain formaldeyhde or volitile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be irritating or make people sick.
+Have a professional check for carbon monixide when servicing furnaces because it's odorless and can kill. Intall a detector for it and for radon, another odorless gas, which can cause lung cancer at high levels.
+Vacuum frequently to cut down on allergens such as dust mites that feed on skill cells humans shed and thrive in pillows, mattresses and carpeting. Consider allergen covers for your pillows and mattresses and wash linens in hot water once a week. Reduce clutter such as stuffed animals that house dust mites.
+Keep insulation in good shape because indoor air quality can be compromised by deteriorated insulation
Baltimore Sun file photo of mold/Elizabeth Malby