Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County

The Nuisance Abatement Program investigates conditions such as trash, rodents, mold, etc. at residential property in unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. Public health nuisance conditions are resolved through a process of public education and code enforcement.

Helpful Tips

• Have bulky waste (furniture, major appliances, salvage materials, etc.) picked up promptly to prevent accumulation.
• Clean up animal droppings from kennels, dog runs or yards frequently.
• Stack firewood 12 inches above ground to prevent nesting by rats.
• Maintain swimming pools in a sanitary condition and in good repair to prevent mosquito breeding; secure pools against unauthorized access.
• Repair roof or plumbing leaks promptly; dry flooded areas or soaked carpeting within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Common Questions

Is mold bad for my health?

It can be. Although fears of “deadly black mold” are over-blown, mold spores in high numbers can cause allergic reactions in many people. The symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin) are usually not life-threatening, although people with asthma or other respiratory disease may be more severely affected. The greater the accumulation of mold, the more likely the residents are to develop symptoms.

Should I have my house tested for mold?

Probably not. Testing is expensive and may not provide much useful information. Mold is common outdoors and there is no standard for unacceptable levels of mold in indoor air. If you have mold that you can see, it needs to be cleaned up.

How is mold cleaned up?

Clean-up steps depend on the types of surfaces affected and the extent of the mold growth. Because mold needs moisture to thrive, the source of moisture must also be found and corrected or the mold will grow back. (See EPA for details.)