Just for fun, let's begin with a multiple choice question:

What do the following have in common: interior painting projects, kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, flooring replacement and window replacement?

a) They rank among the most popular home renovation projects b) They rank high for average potential payback c) They represent prime hot spots for mold growth in the home d) All of the above

*According to a Renovations and Home Value Survey conducted by the Appraisal Institute of Canada

The answer, as you might have guessed, is "d" - all of the above.

The moral of the story: When embarking on a home renovation project, it's important to have mold in mind.

Mold and mildew appears during paint preparation, as you remove old wallpaper. It lurks behind walls in "wet" parts of the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It hides under flooring, and around poorly insulated windows, and just about any part of the home where moisture and humidity can be an issue.

So whether you uncover mold while renovating, or simply want to prevent it from rearing its ugly ahead in the future, read on to find out about more about dealing with mold.

Mold - A Growing Concern

But first - what's all the fuss about anyways? Is indoor mold really such a big deal?

Well, it can be. Left unchecked, and in sufficient quantity, mold can reduce the air quality in your home. That's because mold reproduces by launching spores into the air - sort of like a dandelion does. Those spores act as allergens and irritants, particularly to infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, and can result in a host of respiratory ailments.

There's a strong consensus in the medical community that mold spores aggravate allergies and asthma and produce bronchial distress. In addition, research leans towards the conclusion that mold can be the original source of illness, with the US Environmental Protection Agency, for example, recognizing that mycotoxins produced by species of mold can contribute to a range of ailments including rhinitis and central nervous system damage.

At the very least, there's plenty of reason to take mold seriously while renovating and maintaining your home.

The Hidden Intruder

So you're on Day 1 of your home renovation project - knocking down drywall, ripping up carpet or flooring, or maybe excavating that old bath tub - and suddenly find yourself face to face with mold. Now what?

First, determine the severity of the mold problem. If it's a "small" patch (defined by the CMHC as less than three patches, each smaller than a square meter), or a "moderate" mold issue (total moldy surface area not more than 3 square meters), break out the rubber gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask, and prepare to tackle the problem yourself.

(For mold infestations larger than 3 square meters, it's best to call a professional. Contact your local CMHC office for a list of qualified remediators.)

Next, identify materials that should be discarded and replaced. If they're cheap and mold-damaged (think ceiling tile or carpet under-padding), toss 'em.

Salvageable surfaces should be scrubbed or brushed to remove the surface mold or mildew, and HEPA-vacuumed to prevent particulate matter from escaping into the indoor environment.

Don't Reach for Bleach

Traditionally, homeowners have used bleach solutions to fight mold, but bleach cannot be relied upon for disinfection and in fact introduces harmful fumes and chemicals into the equation. There are now environmentally-friendly antimicrobial solutions on the marketing that are Health Canada approved to kill mold and mildew - and won't have you gasping for fresh air. Track them down at your local home improvement center.

Once you've cleaned and disinfected the area, make sure that all remaining building materials are dry, and that the water issue which caused the mold to grow in the first place - be it a leaky pipe, a cracked foundation, improper venting or some other cause - is addressed.

An Ounce of Prevention

To colonize and grow, mold requires organic nutrients and, above all, moisture. So thwarting mold is as simple as keeping things dry.

But with the average household generating many gallons of moisture every day, that's no easy task. Consider these mold prevention tactics and you'll be on your way to a mold free-home:

1. Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent, using dehumidifiers as required. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer, an inexpensive device found at many hardware stores.

2. Circulate indoor air and encourage air movement by opening doors and windows when possible; indoor mold spore counts are typically higher than outdoor counts.

3. Ensure proper ventilation of humid areas of the home, such as bathrooms, and of moisture-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers. Run the bathroom fan during and after showers.

4. Ensure vapour barriers and insulation are in good condition and properly placed during renovations.

5. Avoid condensation-related moisture by properly sealing windows and insulating cold water pipes and air conditioning vents.

6. Address damage that can result in water ingress, such as cracked foundations, damaged roofs, warped window panes or eroding tile grout.

7. Clean and repair eaves troughs and downspouts regularly, to avoid water back backup.

8. Monitor mold hot spots such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and attics for evidence of mold. Look for surface discoloration and 'follow your nose' - that musty, earthy smell could be hidden mold.

9. Dry or replace flood or leak-affected materials as quickly as possible; if wet materials are dried within 24 hours mold will not grow in most cases.

10. Pre-treat mold-vulnerable materials - such as shower stalls, basement flooring, drywall, window coverings, closets and kitchen cabinetry - with an environmentally friendly, Health Canada approved 'fungistat' (mold prevention solution).

This article was submitted by Siamons International, manufacturer of Concrobium Mold Control®, a Health Canada approved solution that both kills and prevents mold with no bleach or harmful chemicals. For product information and more mold prevention and treatment tips, visit www.concrobium.com .