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The Taney County
Health Department and the City of Branson Health Department
do not have authority to enforce mold clean-up on personal
property. We do, however, monitor the incidence of mold
being reported by citizens or businesses and provide
educational information within our county An extensive
listing of mold links and telephone numbers have been
provided for your information.
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Mold
Mold likes moist, damp areas to grow. Living in the Ozarks, near
lakes and streams, it would seem we have the ideal conditions for
mold to grow. Mold produces tiny spores (as seen in the picture
above) that float through the indoor and outdoor air looking for
a moist, damp spot to begin growing and digesting whatever they
are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow
on wood, paper, carpet and foods. When excessive moisture or water
accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly
if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There
is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors;
the way to control indoor mold is to control moisture.
Basic Mold Clean-Up
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important
to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent
mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold
and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing
or other sources of water. Wash off hard surfaces with detergent
and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling
tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Links:
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/airborne/prevent/mold.html
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/allergies.htm
Telephone Numbers:
City of Branson Health Department, Indoor Air Quality at 417-337-8550
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Air Quality Information
Clearinghouse at 800-438-4318
Missouri Attorney General at 1-800-392-8222
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