Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Manpower and Maintenance Services' CEO Audrey Hinchcliffe. - File

Many Jamaicans are seeing green, in their pockets, on their shoes and even on the walls.

After days of continuous rain, green, white and brown spots of mould and mildew have taken over surfaces in many homes.

"The suitcase looked worse than everything else," said Neisha Sutherland, describing the contents of her bedroom closet. "I had to use a brush to get it off." Spots covered her dark coloured business suits, jeans and three pairs of shoes. She washed the clothing and removed the mould on the shoes with a damp cloth.

"During Hurricane Ivan I got it too but this is the first since then."

"I don't have the problem anywhere else in the house. Only the wetness on the walls, " she said.

Moisture the problem

Moisture, however, is where the problem begins and allowing the surfaces to dry will help control its spread.

"When mould spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive," according to information from www.epa.gov/mold. These spores are constantly in the air, so damp wood, paper, carpet and food act as their home.

Getting rid of mould

"Mould is more problematic than mildew," says Audrey Hinchcliffe, chairman and chief executive officer of Manpower and Maintenance Services Limited, as mould can never totally be removed.

"There's really no magic to it," Mrs. Hinchcliffe said regarding removing both. Wiping the surface with bleach and water and allowing it to dry properly is the best option. Otherwise she recommends remaining vigilant for damp areas which result from leaks; puffing of paint and fuzzy growth on surfaces.

It's necessary to deal with the problem as it can cause burning and watering eyes; nasal and sinus congestion; skin irritation and coughing. It can also aggravate medical problems like asthma, allergies, conditions which weaken immune defences and lung disease, especially in the elderly and the young.

But what of the musty smell that usually accompanies the fuzz?

"Once the place is dried up ... the odour will go away," Mrs. Hincliffe said. This might be easier said than done, judging from the little sunlight we have had since the rains that have pelted the island for so long.

sacha.walters@gleanerjm.com

Tips for controlling mould

1 Protect your eyes, nose and skin when cleaning mould.

2 Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mould growth.

3 Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mould growth.

4 In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

5 Clean mould off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, carpets, linoleum that are mouldy, may need to be replaced.

6 Clean drapes and carpets when they can dry properly.

Courtesy of www.epa.gov/mold and Manpower and Maintenance Services Limited.