News 12, July 27, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- This week's heat and humidity make a perfect environment for mold to grow in your home. Not treating it now could make you very sick later.

John and Jeremy Ashton have been fighting mold as a father and son team for nearly two decades. "Oh it's every color of the rainbow!" John says, "Everybody talks about black but what we see mostly is white. It's Aspergillus Penicillium type mold and that's white. Very common. It's the first type of mold that crops up under your house or in your attic."

Commando Services uses special meters to test for moisture in walls, floors, and ceilings. John explains that anywhere water has leaked is conducive to mold growth. "Twelve drops of water a day and you've got some mold started."

Jeremy says he often sees water seeping under houses, especially with Georgia's humidity. "We find a lot of mold in crawlspaces due to moisture."

They say bleach can kill about 70% of the mold, but after a couple of months it might creep back. That's why lifeguards clean around pool tiles all Summer long- they are actually fighting the same mold colony returning again and again.

John and Jeremy explain that whenever you are removing mold, it's important to wear protective clothes, gloves, and a mask. Some chemicals start removing mold immediately while others may take a few days.

John says he's seen people homes, clothes, and furniture ruined by mold. "It can get extreme. It is such a shame to see peoples lives devastated by this mold."

John emphasizes that colonies of untreated mold can cause nose bleeds, sinus problems, flu-like symptoms, and even severe immunity disorders. That's why Columbia County Fire Chief Paul Cooper moved fire fighters out a mold-ridden trailer yesterday. The trailer was established as a temporary home until construction was complete on the new Harlem station.

Cooper says, "We knew we had mold at the station for a while. The maintenance inspection went out there yesterday said 'You do have mold and I don't think people should be living in this thing'". He says they are keeping a close eye on all of their older structures.

Mold can grow to be the size of a wall in just a few days. Clothes and furniture with mold can be treated at home with baking soda and hot water. Jeremy advises to dry them thoroughly at least twice after treatment. Commando says a general rule is that mold bigger than ten square feet should be tackled by professionals.