The Michigan Pesticide Advisory Committee (PAC) today offered some helpful guidelines in preventing and eliminating indoor mold growth.

PAC is housed and chaired by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). The 14-member committee includes representatives from governmental and university agencies and from citizen and industry groups. Its charge is to advise MDA regarding the use of pesticides in the state.

Preventing initial mold growth should be the first priority to avoid potential health effects, including allergic reactions, and damage to homes, buildings and furnishings.

Mold prevention tips offered by the PAC include:

• Fixing leaky plumbing as soon as possible.
• Watching for condensation and wet spots – fixing these moisture problems as soon as possible.
• Preventing moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity).
• Keeping heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) drip plans clean, flowing properly and unobstructed.
• Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to outside where possible.
• Performing regular building inspections and maintenance as scheduled.

However, if mold growths become problematic or extensive, care must be taken when choosing how to safely and effectively eliminate them.

One option that environmental companies often use to prevent and kill molds are microbiocides. Microbiocides are legally classed as pesticides and should be treated accordingly. It is vital that all biocides and pesticides are handled exactly as prescribed on the label.

PAC recommends following these basic guidelines if microbiocides are chosen as an option to control indoor mold problems:

• Choosing a company that uses sound control management methods.
• Discussing options to control the problem without the use of biocides.
• Asking the technician to describe the nature and extent of the mold problem.
• Having the company provide references as well as product labels and material safety data sheets for the products used.
• Asking questions like: "How long will it take to solve my problem?" and "How will the results be monitored?"

For more information, contact your local health department or call the Michigan Department of Community Health toll-free at 800-648-6942 and ask for the "mold information line." Anyone suspecting pesticide (microbiocide) misuse may contact the nearest Michigan Department of Agriculture regional office, which may be found by visiting www.michigan.gov or by calling MDA toll-free at 800-292-3939.