Atlanta's AC: Attic Lies Inflaming Childhood Asthma?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe musty smell hits you the moment you crack the attic door. It’s not just an unpleasant odor; it’s a warning sign, especially for Atlanta families with children prone to asthma. That smell could be mold, thriving in the humid Atlanta air, and dust, accumulating undisturbed for years. These attic dwellers can trigger asthma attacks, sending kids to the ER and parents into a spiral of worry.
Let’s tackle this head-on. This is your guide to reclaiming your attic air quality and protecting your children’s health, step by step.
First, the DIY Inspection. Don’t just stick your head in and sniff. Gear up. Wear a mask (N95 or better), gloves, and eye protection. Grab a flashlight and a notepad.
Visual Scan: Look for discoloration on wood beams, insulation, and drywall. Mold can appear as black, green, brown, or even white fuzzy patches. Pay close attention to areas near the roofline, vents, and any place where water might intrude.
Sniff Test (with caution): A musty, earthy smell is a strong indicator of mold. However, don’t rely solely on smell. Some molds are odorless.
Feel for Dampness: Touch the wood and insulation. Dampness is a breeding ground for mold. Note any areas that feel wet or spongy.
Dust Assessment: How thick is the dust layer? Is it evenly distributed, or are there clumps and build-up? Excessive dust can harbor allergens and contribute to poor air quality.
Document everything. Take pictures. Note the location and extent of any suspected mold or dust buildup. This information will be crucial, whether you decide to DIY or call in a professional.
Now, let’s talk about professional testing. If you find significant mold growth, or if you’re unsure about the extent of the problem, it’s time to call in a professional mold inspector.
Finding a Reputable Inspector: Don’t just pick the first name you see on Google. Look for companies with certifications from organizations like the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) or the ACAC (American Council for Accredited Certification). Check online reviews and ask for references.
Types of Tests: Inspectors typically use air sampling and surface sampling. Air samples are collected to determine the concentration of mold spores in the air. Surface samples (tape lifts or swabs) are taken to identify the type of mold present.
Understanding the Results: The inspector should provide a detailed report outlining the type and concentration of mold found, along with recommendations for remediation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarify anything you don’t understand.
Cost Considerations: Mold inspections in Atlanta can range from $300 to $800, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the inspection. It’s an investment in your family’s health.
Next, affordable ventilation strategies. Atlanta’s humidity is a mold’s best friend. Proper ventilation is key to keeping your attic dry and preventing mold growth.
Check Existing Vents: Make sure your soffit vents (located under the eaves) and ridge vents (at the peak of the roof) are clear of obstructions like insulation or debris. These vents allow air to circulate through the attic.
Add Additional Vents: If your attic isn’t adequately ventilated, consider adding more vents. A general rule of thumb is one square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet of attic space. Consider a powered attic ventilator (PAV) if natural ventilation is insufficient. These fans exhaust hot, humid air from the attic.
Solar-Powered Options: For an energy-efficient solution, consider solar-powered attic fans. They operate on sunlight and don’t add to your electricity bill.
Dehumidifiers (Temporary Solution): While not a long-term solution for the entire attic, a dehumidifier can be used temporarily in specific areas with moisture problems.
Now, let’s discuss air sealing strategies. Air leaks allow warm, humid air from your living space to enter the attic, creating a perfect environment for mold growth. Sealing these leaks is crucial.
Identify Air Leaks: Common areas for air leaks include:
- Around recessed lights
- Where pipes and wires penetrate the ceiling
- Around the attic access hatch or door
- Top plates of walls
Seal the Leaks: Use caulk or expanding foam to seal gaps and cracks. For larger openings, use rigid foam board or fiberglass insulation.
Attic Hatch Sealing: Pay special attention to the attic hatch or door. Install weather stripping around the perimeter to create an airtight seal. Consider insulating the back of the hatch with rigid foam board.
Professional Air Sealing: For a more comprehensive approach, consider hiring a professional to air seal your attic. They have specialized equipment and expertise to identify and seal even the smallest leaks.
DIY Mold Remediation (with caution). Small areas of mold (less than 10 square feet) can often be cleaned yourself. However, proceed with caution and follow these steps:
Safety First: Wear a mask (N95 or better), gloves, and eye protection.
Contain the Area: Seal off the affected area with plastic sheeting to prevent mold spores from spreading.
Clean the Mold: Use a solution of water and a mild detergent to scrub the moldy surfaces. For porous materials like wood, you may need to use a mold-killing solution like bleach (diluted 1:10 with water) or a commercial mold remover. Always test the solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the material.
Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, dry the area thoroughly with fans or a dehumidifier. Mold thrives in damp environments.
Dispose of Contaminated Materials: Dispose of any contaminated materials (like insulation) in sealed plastic bags.
When to Call a Professional for Mold Remediation. For larger areas of mold (more than 10 square feet), or if you’re unsure about the type of mold, it’s best to call a professional mold remediation company.
Finding a Qualified Remediation Company: Look for companies with certifications from organizations like the IICRC or the ACAC. Check online reviews and ask for references.
Remediation Process: A professional remediation company will typically:
- Contain the affected area to prevent the spread of mold spores.
- Remove the moldy materials.
- Clean and disinfect the affected area.
- Dry the area thoroughly.
- Address the source of the moisture problem.
Cost Considerations: Mold remediation can be expensive, ranging from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size and severity of the problem. Get multiple quotes and make sure the company is licensed and insured.
Addressing Dust Buildup. Even without mold, excessive dust in the attic can exacerbate asthma.
Vacuuming: Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum to remove dust from all surfaces in the attic. Pay special attention to insulation, wood beams, and drywall.
Replacing Insulation: If the insulation is heavily contaminated with dust, consider replacing it.
Sealing Air Leaks: As mentioned earlier, sealing air leaks will help prevent dust from entering the attic.
Specific Challenges in Atlanta. Atlanta’s climate presents unique challenges for attic air quality.
High Humidity: The city’s high humidity creates a perfect breeding ground for mold. Proper ventilation and air sealing are crucial.
Rapid Temperature Fluctuations: Atlanta’s temperature can fluctuate dramatically, leading to condensation in the attic.
Older Homes: Many homes in Atlanta are older and may have inadequate ventilation or air sealing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid. Don’t fall into these traps.
Ignoring the Problem: Mold and dust problems won’t go away on their own. Addressing them promptly is crucial.
Using Bleach Alone: Bleach can kill surface mold, but it doesn’t penetrate porous materials. It’s often ineffective for long-term mold control.
Covering Up the Mold: Painting over mold will only hide the problem temporarily. The mold will continue to grow underneath the paint.
Neglecting Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for preventing mold growth.
DIY Remediation for Large Areas: Attempting to remediate large areas of mold yourself can be dangerous and ineffective.
Real-World Scenario: The Smith Family of Decatur. The Smith family noticed their 6-year-old daughter, Lily, was experiencing more frequent asthma attacks during the summer. After reading about the connection between attic mold and asthma, they decided to inspect their attic. They found significant mold growth near the roofline. They hired a professional mold remediation company to remove the mold and address the moisture problem. They also improved their attic ventilation and air sealing. Lily’s asthma symptoms improved significantly after the remediation.
Actionable Insights.
- Schedule an attic inspection at least once a year, especially before and after the humid summer months.
- Prioritize air sealing to prevent moisture from entering the attic.
- Ensure adequate ventilation to keep the attic dry.
- If you suspect mold, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Protecting your children’s health is paramount. By taking these steps, Atlanta parents can create a healthier home environment and breathe easier, knowing they’ve taken proactive measures to combat mold and dust in their attics. Don’t wait for the next asthma attack; take action today.