Mold & Mildew - Monaco Cayman 2005 Owner's Manual

What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that occurs naturally in the environment. Mold spreads by means of micro-
scopic spores borne on the wind, and is found everywhere life can be supported. Motorhome construc-
tion is not, and cannot be, designed to exclude mold spores. If the conditions are right, mold can grow
in the motorhome. Most people are familiar with mold growth in the form of bread mold, and mildew
that may grow on bathroom tile. Mold spores, as they grow, can leave a musty odor, discolor fabrics,
stain surfaces, and cause considerable damage.
What Does Mold Need to Grow?
Mold requires a food source to grow. Grease films contain nutrients to cultivate mold spores. Soil
on items such as fabrics and furniture may also supply nutrients for mold growth. Synthetic fabrics,
such as acetate, polyester, acrylic and nylon, are mildew resistant, but soil on the surface of these fabrics
are susceptible to mold.
Temperate climate and moisture help to cultivate mold growth. Moisture in the motorhome can
result from unattended spills, leaks, overflows, and condensation. Moisture allowed to remain on a
growth medium can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. Minimizing moisture inside of the
motorhome can reduce or eliminate favorable mold growth conditions. Good housekeeping and regular
maintenance are essential in the effort to prevent or eliminate mold growth.
Consequences of Mold:
All mold is not necessarily harmful, but certain strains of mold have been shown to cause, in sus-
ceptible persons, allergic reactions, including skin irritation, watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneez-
ing, congestion, sore throat and headache. Individuals with suppressed immune systems may risk infec-
tions. Some experts contend that mold causes serious symptoms and disease which may even be life
threatening. However, experts disagree about the level of mold exposure that may cause health prob-
lems, and about the exact nature and extent of the health problems that mold may cause. Moreover, the
Center for Disease Control states that a casual link between the presence of toxic mold and serious
health conditions has not been proven.
Standards or threshold limit values for concentration of mold or mold spores have not been set.
Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. There is sim-
ply no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. For example,
studies have shown that ozone cleaners are not effective at killing airborne mold or surface mold con-
tamination.
Controlling Mold Growth:
There are several steps that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the possibility of mold growth.
Cayman 2005
MOLD & MILDEW
Exterior & Interior Care --- Section 3
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