Programs & Services

Environmental Services - Mold - Portage County  Health Department

Duwayne Porter, Environmental Director

Office Hours:  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 Monday through Friday
Contact Information

Sewage Disposal

MOLD

What is Mold?

Mold is a simple, tiny, living organism growing wherever it gets enough water to reproduce. Mold will not grow unless water is present. It grows more quickly if there are water leaks, spills, high humidity, or condensation. Mold can be any color or texture.

It is important to quickly identify and correct any moisture sources before mold develops. Just because a mold is present does not mean a toxin is present. Generally, the Ohio Indoor Air Quality Coalition doesn’t recommend testing for mold because regardless of the type, the clean-up process is necessary.

Steps to remove mold in your home:

• Find and fix the water problem.
• Dry everything – start as soon as possible.
• Move wet items away from the wall and floor.
• For larger problems, use fans and de-humidifiers.
  Remove moldy items.
• Cover with plastic and throw away.
• If sewage has been in the house, throw away all soiled items.
• Protect yourself and others. During cleanup, wear long sleeves and pants, rubber gloves, eye goggles, N-95 rated “dust” masks. If anyone in the home has asthma or a chronic disease, do the cleanup when they are not in the home.
• Clean solid surfaces. Scrub moldy surfaces with a stiff brush, hot water, and a non-ammonia soap.
• Collect excess cleaning liquid with a mop, sponge, or wet/dry vacuum.
• Rinse area with clean water and remove rinse water.
• Disinfect surfaces (if desired). Mix ½ c. bleach per gallon of water. Spray on moldy areas. Allow to sit for 15 minutes. DO NOT MIX BLEACH WITH AMMONIA.

Additional information is available at:

www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/mold/index.html

Contact Us

449 S. Meridian St., 3rd Floor, Portage County Admin. Bldg.
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
Ph: 330-296-9919  Fax: 330-297-3597 E-Mail: pchd@portageco.com
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