How to Get Rid of Mold: Top Tips

What is Mold?

Mold is living organism like bacteria or fungus. Whenever water gets into a home or structure due to a hidden leak, condensation as a result of humid conditions, or a natural disaster like a hurricane, tornado, or flood, there's likely to be mold growing soon. Mold spores are naturally occurring and are present just about everywhere, even in the air. Anytime moisture or water is present, mold spores are likely to follow. Mold can begin to grow on just about any surface within 24 hours.

How common is mold in buildings and homes?

Molds are very common in homes and buildings and will grow just about anywhere indoors where there is any type of moisture. Molds are not generally toxic or poisonous but they can be toxigenic, which simply means they can produce toxins. These toxins can cause serious health risks to some people. Other health problems of mold exposure include eye and throat irritation and frequent and persistent headaches.

Does mold present a health risk to people?

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine found there was enough evidence to link indoor mold exposure to respiratory tract problems like coughing, sneezing, and wheezing in people who were otherwise healthy. People with asthma experienced a worsening of symptoms when exposed to mold. Some people developed hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an immune-mediated condition, when exposed to indoor mold. Those with a susceptibility to lung infections may also be at risk for developing a lung infection.

If you have mold in your home, you might want to consult a local professional water damage service or water damage cleanup service. The EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings manual suggests that if there has been a lot of water damage and water damage mold covers an area larger than ten square feet, then you may want to hire a professional water damage cleanup specialist.

If the mold in your home or building was caused by a sewage or contaminated water leak, then the best thing to do is contact a professional water damage service that has experience in cleaning up and repairing homes and buildings that have water damage mold problems.

How can I prevent mold from growing in my home or office?

While it is impossible to get rid of all mold, it is possible to have some control over mold and mold spores. The key to controlling mold is controlling moisture. Always keep the indoor air conditioned whether in the summer or winter. Air conditioning dries out the air and helps to prevent mold from growing. If you suspect there is mold in the vents of a central air conditioning/heating system, do not operate the system until the mold is removed. Operating a heating or air conditioning system that is contaminated with mold will only help to spread the mold.

Mold spores will not grow if water or moisture are not present. If mold has been caused by a leak or plumbing problem in your home or workplace, the leak must be fixed before any cleanup of mold is attempted. If the source of moisture is not removed, the mold will simply come back.

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