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Video Transcript:

If you find evidence of mold growth or excess moisture in the home, the actions steps you can recommend include the following:

• First, identify the source or sources of moisture or water. This can be leaks inside the home or water entering from the outdoors. Be sure to check areas with water supplies such as the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Next, the water or moisture issues must be corrected or mold clean-up will not be effective. Mold will return if the underlying cause of water or moisture is not fixed.

To reduce moisture problems, maintain low humidity levels in the home. To do so, you can:

• Encourage the use of kitchen or bathroom fans, or suggest opening a window when moisture-generating activities occur such as taking a shower or cooking.
• Using a properly-sized dehumidifier or air conditioner can also help reduce moisture levels in the home, particularly in the warm humid months.

A note of caution if a dehumidifier is used:

• Dehumidifiers need to be emptied daily to prevent bacteria, mold and mildew growth.
• Sometimes it is possible to hook up a hose running from the dehumidifier directly into a floor drain for continuous drainage.
• Also, drip pans for all appliances, including refrigerators and window air conditioners, should be emptied regularly. These appliances should also be cleaned regularly to avoid mold and bacteria growth.
• And finally, if structural problems are causing moisture issues, it may be necessary for the family to hire a contractor to fix these problems.