Small steps keep residents mold free

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William A. O'Brien
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Molding can occur for many reasons. Leaks in pipes or windows, or excessive humidity can cause mold. High humidity and heat make Incirlik susceptible to mold more than colder climate locations. Over time, excessive amounts of moisture trapped in closed spaces and rooms can lead to mold growth. In the dormitories and base housing, these problems can be prevented by conducting regular checks, properly ventilating areas and immediately removing mold.

By making small changes to habits that promote mold growth, residents can eliminate any current mold problems and prevent future molding.

"The biggest problem is residents not realizing that some of the habits they have actually increased the chances of mold growth," said Paul Arnold, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron housing quality assurance expert. "For example, when an occupant takes a hot shower, it produces steam; and if trapped in the bathroom without the ability to vent, it creates a perfect environment for mold growth. I recommend leaving the fan on for 20 to 30 minutes after a shower to properly ventilate the steam.

In Eagle Housing, homes "are equipped with a fan that has a timer that remains on for approximately five additional minutes after the switch is turned off to further ventilate the room. Falcon and Phantom Housing require the occupant to leave the exhaust fan on until the room is free of steam," said Arnold. "Another problem is occupants placing boxes, desks and couches tight against the wall preventing ventilation and trapping the humidity creating a perfect environment for mold growth. I suggest moving furniture away from the wall about three inches to allow for proper ventilation and air flow."

To remove small mold spots, a 10-1 ratio of bleach to water solution is a viable option for removing mold, but Arnold suggested using commercial cleaning products developed specifically for mold, which can be purchased at the commissary or the Exchange.

There are a number of other measures a person can take to prevent mold.

"Open your windows from time to time to allow fresh air in, clean your heating, ventilation and air conditioning filters every 30 days, and call in work orders for exhaust fans not working properly. With these additional steps, people can reduce the chances of mold," said 1st Lt. Seth Poulsen, 39th CES Quality Assurance Flight commander. "There have recently been issues with residents waiting until the mold covers half the ceiling and it looks like something you need to call Stephen King about before calling it in. That's the fault of the occupant."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins; but the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous. Health problems associated with excessive damp conditions and mold include allergic responses like those to pollen or animal dander, which are most common. Another health issue that could arise is hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a kind of lung inflammation that occurs in people who develop immune system sensitization to inhaled organic dust.

"There are some possible risks or health hazards related to mold," said Poulsen. "Some people are more susceptible to health issues than others when it comes to mold."

Understanding what is causing the problem and fixing it, along with proper ventilation, is imperative.

"If you see a mold problem, get on it as quick as you can before it becomes a big problem," said Poulsen.

While getting rid of mold when it first appears is important, understanding what caused the problem is key to preventing reoccurrence. If it is something caused by residents, they should make the proper adjustment to prevent mold from reoccurring.

"If you have an excessive amount of mold you definitely want to call that in to the 39th CES helpdesk. At that point, housing maintenance will respond and evaluate," said Poulsen. "If it's something the resident's responsible for, we can tell them how to prevent it and treat it. Occupants are responsible for cleaning mold. The 39th CES is responsible for problems that cause mold like a leaky pipe, HVACs and exhaust fans not working right."

Arnold suggests ensuring mold isn't growing in less-used spaces that aren't frequented and for anyone who leaves for an extended period of time to ask their Wingman to regularly ventilate their room or house for them to prevent a mold problem while away.

"Conduct regular inspections around your home and storage areas to ensure mold isn't growing in places that aren't frequented," he said. "Check for odd odors, discoloration on the paint or surface, and anything out of the ordinary," added Arnold. "If it's small in nature, treat it with one of the aforementioned solutions or call it in and we'll have it evaluated."

It is important for base residents to be aware of preventable mold issues.

"Mold is something that is very easy to take care of," said Poulsen. "It only becomes a problem if you let it become a problem."

To report a mold problem, call the 39th CES helpdesk at DSN 676-7008.