Dealing With Mold
The Double Threat
Dealing with Mold
It may have happened to someone you know or even in your own home. Water damage or some other work required you to open up the wall, the floor, the ceiling – and there it was…mold. The thought of having a mold problem can strike fear into the heart of any homeowner. Mold is formed by microscopic spores and attaches to moist surfaces. In nature mold has the important function to help decompose substances such as leaves and plant debris. But when that mold has settled into your drywall, carpet, or other house material it becomes a significant problem. We would like to point out that if you suspect you may have a mold issue in your home, we recommend you contact a certified mold inspector to conduct a thorough indoor air and surface quality review as soon as possible.
Any issue that creates humid or wet conditions, including leaks or poor ventilation, will increase the chances of mold breeding in the area. There are telltale signs of a mold problem. Stale, musty odors, especially in the bathroom, laundry room, basement, and attic, are strong indicators that mold is growing. You may also see small black or white specks along damp areas. However, mold may be hidden behind walls or tiles, and even dry mold can still cause problems. This means that if you fixed a leak that caused mold and then cleaned up the mold, mold colonies of spores may be dormant but not entirely dead. Just as grass and plants are rejuvenated after a cold winter by the sun and rain of spring, dormant mold can begin to spread anew if conditions become optimal again from additional leakage or humidity. Untreated mold will continue to grow and damage the house, calling for an invasive and expensive repair effort.
Having mold colonize your home is an issue, but many people are equally concerned about the health risks to the family exposed to mold. People that have allergies, asthma, or other breathing conditions may be especially sensitive to mold. Those with more serious health issues may be at increased risk for infection. Symptoms of mild exposure may include runny noses, congestion, or cough. A small number of molds, such as “black mold,” will produce very harmful toxins that can induce more persistent affects such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Because mold is a double threat, to both the house structure and the family health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Deal with leaks promptly and dry out affected building components and furniture. Keep areas of high humidity, such as the laundry room, ventilated properly. If you do suspect that you have a mold problem, act quickly. The State of California suggests that some smaller mold issues can be cleaned using common household chemicals. We strongly encourage any non-professional to review the information and related links on the State Dept of Health Services website before attempting to clean up even the smallest amount of mold or suspected mold. After educating yourself on the issue, clean up the mold you can see – specially formulated solutions are available to deal with mold and mildew. However, you may find that symptoms persist even after the cleaning. At that point it’s time to call in a service professional who is skilled in mold removal and treatment. A thorough removal will prevent the mold from spreading into uncontaminated areas, kill and remove the mold, and protect the cleaned out area against future infestations. With proper vigilance in preventing mold growth and prompt attention when a problem arises you can avert a potential disaster. If you are interested in speaking to a certified mold inspector or would like to set up a indoor air and surface quality monitoring program in your home please feel free to contact us at 1-877-424-8289.
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