 Health & Nutrition
Thoughts on
Aging
Keeping Vacant Homes Mold Free - August 18, 2011
(1 minutes: 49 seconds)
 WMA (audio
only)
Audio/Video Script:
Dr. LaVona Traywick
Assistant Professor - Gerontology
[Announcer] Welcome to Thoughts on Aging with Dr. LaVona Traywick,
Assistant Professor of Gerontology with the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
[Dr. LaVona Traywick] As huge
numbers of vacant homes sit on the market either through foreclosures or moving
to another residence or to assistive living, mold is becoming a huge problem in
the housing market.
In most
homes, as family members go in and out and the seasons change, natural
ventilation sucks moisture up to the attic and out through the roof. It's called
the "stack effect." And in many parts of the country, it's driven by air
conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter.
But if no
one is going in or out of a home - regardless of climate - the effects can be
devastating.
In some
states, it's estimated that more than half of foreclosed homes have mold and
mildew issues. Realtors across the country say they're seeing the problem in
everything from bungalows to mansions.
So if you
have, or are going to have, a house vacant for an extended period of time, check
into options for keeping the electricity on for ventilation purposes. Talk to
your local County Extension Service Agent for more information on mold
prevention and keeping your empty house mold free.
The other side of the issue is that if you are looking to buy a home that has
vacant for while, check for mold before you purchase.
[Announcer] Thank you for listening to Thoughts on Aging with Dr. LaVona
Traywick. To learn more about this and other topics, contact your local county
Cooperative
Extension Service office.
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