THE BATHROOM IN YOUR HOME MAY BE CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH
PROMOTES MILDEW GROWTH


"I needed to get rid of mildew to recaulk a bathtub, without using
strong chemicals like Clorox, which would aggravate ADHD and Multiple
Chemical Sensitivity. Our original bathroom has no exhaust fan and the
window is stuck shut. A couple years of showers take their toll. I had
serious black mildew under a white vinyl self adhesive strip caulking
substitute. I pulled up the strip first, revealing the sheer grossness
of the mildew." - Ruth

"Mildew is defined as a common name for mold or fungi, often used in
reference to fungal growth on bathroom tiles and fixtures," according
to Microbial Diagnostics, a national company recognized for its
expertise in microbial contamination and indoor air quality. Mildew
produces spores, microscopic seeds, which germinate in warm and moist
environments floating through the air like pollen.

Mildew can be distinctly identified from other molds by its thin,
sheet-like appearance that will frequently cover an entire surface. It
can be black or white in color and leaves a musty, sour smelling odor.
The key to mildew control is moisture control.

The bathroom in your home may be creating an environment which
promotes mildew growth. The hot showers and baths taken in a bathroom
not well ventilated will cause humidity to build up, encouraging the
growth of mildew. Mildew in bathrooms grows on the walls and doors of
the shower and bath tub as it feeds on body oils and soap scum which
is trapped on grout, curtains, and tiling. Poor lighting in the
bathroom is another factor that contributes to mildew growth.

There are health factors related to mold and mildew in your bathroom
as well as other rooms in your home. People are affected by mildew
when the mold spores are either touched or breathed into the lungs.
Where there is a high concentration of mold or mildew, allergic
symptoms may appear such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal
congestion, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty with breathing,
headaches, fatigue and skin irritations. Those most susceptible to
being adversely affected by mildew are infants and children, elderly
persons, those with weakened immune systems and those who suffer with
respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies.




In the bathroom, mildew will appear on the walls of your shower or
bathtub, on shower curtains, grouting, and tiling having the
appearance of a thin, sheet like mold.
Mildew covers the surface and may be black or white.




Keep your bathroom well ventilated with an exhaust fan.
Consider repainting your bathroom with mildew proof paint designed for
high moisture areas
Wipe down bath and shower after each use, try using a squeegee
After washing your shower curtain, immerse it in salt water to prevent
future mildew growth
Hang wet towels and washcloths up promptly to deter mildew growth.
HEALTHY TIPS TO RID YOUR BATHROOM OF MILDEW:

Mold and mildew counts dramatically increase during removal, so
consider taking some precautions
Anyone with allergies, asthma or emphysema should not do clean up.
Open windows during clean up for ventilation.
Turn on exhaust fan.
Shut off bathroom vents to other parts of the house to prevent spores
from traveling.
Wear rubber gloves

Category: Healthy Home - Bathroom - Mold and Mildew
Written by Patty Avey - Chief Editor - SmartLivingNews.com

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LINKS TO RESEARCH SITES FOR FURTHER READING

http://www.mold-prevention.com/mold.htm