Mold can ruin your home and your health. This fungus grows in basements or other places that have flooded as well as around leaking pipes and roofs. You can also find it on walls, floors, fabrics, and furnishings. Sometimes you might not be able to remove mold yourself. A professional can clean up your house and stop mold growth. He will first take samples and assess the damaged area, look for hidden mold, and then remove it. These techniques are known as mold assessment and mold remediation.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
Most buildings have mold. These microorganisms are dangerous to human health and can produce mycotoxins that increase your risk of developing neurological problems. If you have mold at home or in the workplace, you may experience a number of symptoms, such as:
• Redness of the eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Skin rash
• Sneezing
• Migraine
• Throat irritation
• Breathing difficulties
• Recurring upper respiratory infections
• Allergies
Infants, children, seniors, and people with asthma, chronic lung disease, or poor immunity are more sensitive to the effects of mold. When exposed to mold, they can develop severe allergic reactions. Infants are particularly sensitive to Penicillium, a type of mold that causes respiratory problems. Studies have also found that exposure to mold can worsen asthma symptoms.
Where Do Molds Grow?
All molds need moisture in order to grow and survive. This explains why they are usually found in damp places like kitchens, showers, basements, and laundry rooms. These microorganisms can grow on any surface when moisture is present. The spores are carried by air currents and can be easily ingested or breathed in.
Common causes of mold growth include indoor plumbing problems, building maintenance problems, leaky pipes, and incomplete drying of concrete and other flooring materials. Mold may also appear after flooding and water damage. Carpets, drywall, cellulose, plywood and other building materials are food for molds.
What Is Hidden Mold?
Mold is not always visible. After a major flood, it can grow inside the walls or behind wallpaper. Hidden molds can be found in roof materials, underside of carpets, back side of dry wall, or topside of ceiling tiles. The only way to detect it is to take samples. In general, hidden mold has a specific smell.
This microorganism needs moisture, food, and warm temperatures in order to grow. If these conditions are met, mold colonies can grow in buildings. Removing one of these requirements for mold can help reduce or stop its growth.
Mold Assessment Techniques
If you suspect there is mold in your home, examine the areas prone to mold growth. Take samples if necessary. Move the furniture, lift the carpets, check the pipes, and look behind wallpaper for hidden molds. If you call a professional, he will take samples of the inside and outdoor air, mold spores, and materials. This is the most accurate way to determine the type and concentration of mold in your house.
What Is Mold Remediation?
Mold remediation or mold removal involves stopping the source of moisture, ventilating the area, and cleaning up the mold. These procedures should be conducted by a trained professional. He will use a HEPA-filtered vacuum, biocide, and fungicides to kill the mold. After mold removal, it’s your responsibility to prevent it from coming back.
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