According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, mold in damp indoor environments is associated with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible persons, wheeze, and asthma symptoms in sensitized people. The relative air humidity level along the Ohio River valley is known to produce increased mold spores causing reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints. Increased rainfall and flooding in Kenton County resulted in a rise of calls to the extension office from home owners concerning mold and moisture issues in their homes.  As a result of the concerns, the FCS agent taught “Mold and Moisture Control in your Home”.  Using the publications from the EPA as well as “Good Health Starts as Home” provided by the University of Kentucky, twenty-four participants where taught the health implications of mold in a home; how to identify conditions that cause mold growth; low cost, effective, easy to implement strategies to clean up mold in a home; and how to control moisture in a home.  

A pre-class survey revealed none of the participants knew what the optimum indoor humidity level should be in the home. Eighteen participants attending had reoccurring visible mildew and did not understand why it came back after clean up. Ten participants recognized a “moldy smell” in one or more locations in their home.  Immediate results at the conclusion of the program revealed the following: 24 class participants learned one or more health effects of mold;  8 people indicated after hearing the optimal mold growth conditions they could determine the source of the problem; 15 indicated they intend to evaluate their homes thoroughly for moisture issues/leaks; Five participants intended to check seals around windows doors and plumbing fixtures.

A 3 month follow up mail survey yielded nine responses.  As a direct result of attending the program:  100% found excessive moisture in one or more locations in their home that resulted in mold cleanup and reducing moisture; 3 sealed their windows due to leaks; 8 people began using the exhaust fans when bathing and/or cooking;  2 people had a home inspection to find problems related to poor drainage around the home; one homeowner installed a sump pump.