Get Rid of Mold and Get the Facts

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Get Rid of Mold and Get the Facts

Evidence of mold should be a concern for every home owner. Microbial pollution commonly referred to as mold is a key element of indoor pollution. Mold can grow inside your home causing property damage and more importantly endangering the health and wellbeing of your family. The Institute of Medicine completed a study in 2004 and researchers found that there was significant evidence suggesting that indoor exposure to mold and mildew was a direct cause of flu like symptoms, respiratory tract infections and chronic coughing.

Researchers have also found that humans with compromised immune systems such as HIV and asthma were more susceptible to an increase in medical conditions resulting in over exposure to mold and mildews. If these conditions exist, call your family doctor or seek out medical attention immediately.

Indoor air quality affects every person especially our children and the elderly. We spend the majority of our time indoors, especially during the fall and winter months when outside weather is not favorable. Air quality should be a concern at work, schools and in our public buildings.

Air quality and the prevention or reduction of mold and mildew is for the most part a preventable task. Keeping humidity levels at an acceptable level is a key factor in the control of dampness and excessive moisture. Moisture can build up on windows sills and water pipes causing water to build or puddle allowing mold to grow, feeding on the organic and cellulose nutrients. The source of water can come from a multitude of sources such as ground water from a basement that was finished without a proper vapor barrier installation. Flooding is probably the number one cause of water damage causing mold. Water supply pipes will sweat causing moisture to build. Showers, hot tubs and baths will cause humidity to rise creating a perfect environment for mold growth. Rain water can find its way into your home accumulating and allowing mold spores the nutrient load required to grow mold and mildew.

Mold, mildew and fungus are very common in most homes and buildings. The growth of molds only requires oxygen, water and a nutrient source such as cellulose. There are over 300,000 types of molds. The actual numbers of molds are unknown. Some molds are more common than others with Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillum taking the lead with most home owners. These molds are found inside and outside environments. Mold spores are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye traveling with air currents from place to place. Mold spores will enter your home through vents, doorways, windows and on our clothing.

Homes should be evacuated in the event you believe someone is ill or sick due to exposure to mold and mildews. Serious mold problems usually have a musty smell that is obvious when entering the building. Call a professional mold remediation specialist and an air quality expert immediately. Have your home tested for mold. Contact your family physician or seek medical advice immediately. DO NOT STAY IN THE HOME.

Mold prevention is the key. Inspect your home on a regular basis for irregular smells and wall or wall paper discoloration. Invest in a dehumidifier; try to keep humidity levels at 40% - 60%. Ventilation is the key to protecting areas prone to musty smells and dampness. Install ceiling fans in stagnant areas with little ventilation. Clean bathrooms and closets located in bathroom on a regular basis. Mold removal should be performed by a professional mold remediation specialist. Contacting a mold specialist should be made as soon as a mold growth has been spotted. The sooner you address the issue the better. If mold is left unattended, it will spread through your home into the walls and sub structure potentially coasting thousands in remediation repairs.

Get rid of mold by getting the facts. Protect yourself, your family and your investment with good sound mold prevention practices.

By: Bradley Skierkowski