Mildew (or Black Mold): Mildew Solutions and Mildew Home Remedy

What is mildew?

Mildew is a type of fungus that grows wherever there is moisture and poor ventilation.The fungus survives by secreting substances that digest any organic matter like food remnants, paper, cloth etc and absorbing the resulting simple compounds.This process is responsible for the odors produced by mildew.

Why is mildew bad?

In addition to the un-pretty sight when mildew grows on walls or floors, and the particular stuffy odor, mildew causes significant HEALTH hazards. These are caused by the spores of mildew that are released into the air in search of fertile places for the fungus to grow on.These spores might cause:

1. They might precipitate asthma as a trigger.
   
2. They act as allergens causing asthma or sinus allergies(nasal congestion).
   
3. In people whose immunity is compromised (AIDS,diabetes mellitus,old people) they might infect the lungs causing a severe infection.

How to Prevent Mildew and Treat Mildew Causes

When to seek medical advice?

Whenever symptoms like cough, wheezing, congested nose, sneezing, itchy rashes develop in a place where there is mildew growth, an allergy specialist clinic should be consulted.There are tests that determine whether the symptoms are caused by allergy, like
      a. Allergy identification in the blood.
      b. Skin patches tests.

Where is mildew likely to be found ?

1. Places that are frequently wet like shower walls.
   
2. Places that are difficult to access for drying like ceilings.
   
3. Around places where water is used like around washing basins and washing machines.
   
4. On walls where leaking water pipes pass through.

How to prevent mildew growth?

1. Use a dehumidifier which is a device that removes excess moisture.
   
2. Some objects that have mildew growth should be removed and destroyed, like carpets with mildew growth.
   
3. Any leaking pipes should be fixed.
   
4. In places where carpets lie directly on cement floors, an insulating sheet should be used between the surfaces to prevent moisture absorption.