Mold Remediation: What is Mold, Causes and Solutions

Molds grow where there is excess moisture such as water leaks behind wallpapers or wood paneling on floors, wet carpets,… High humidity indoors can lead to more rapid development of these microscopic fungi colonies because they thrive in moist environments with high levels of organic matter like dead skin cells from humans and other animals. They need dark spaces with temperatures between 60°F (16°C)

What causes Mold?

Excess moisture such as water leaks, flood lead to the development of mold. Molds are also caused by the presence of indoor air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, cooking fumes, and chemical contaminants. The causes of mold are various.

What to do if you find mold?

If found early enough then there is no need for panic however it’s important that you remove moisture or dry out wet materials in order to prevent further development of mold colonies which can be harmful when present on food items like breads, cereals,… You should consult with a qualified professional who deals with remediating molds before trying any remediation methods yourself. There are different ways to deal with this problem; some people use bleach while others might prefer other cleaning agents because not all chemicals will work well against these fungi colonies. Important thing – always wear protective gear during the remediation of mold, so that your body will be protected.

What are the different ways of dealing with Mold?

The best way to deal with Mold is Prevention. There is not a single way to deal with mold, but here are some methods:

• Use dehumidifiers in moist areas and ventilate bathrooms.
• Drain water out of your home or office by running an exhaust fan near a window on the ground floor for at least 15 minutes before you go to bed.
• Have someone check for leaks outside your house regularly.
• Keep wood furniture off carpeting so it can be fumigated periodically without becoming wet from contact with fluids like spilled drinks or pet urine, which have strong odors that encourage mold growth.
• Wash hard surfaces regularly such as countertops, walls, floors and window sills using soap and water (not vinegar).
• Discard moist and damp items that are moldy, like old clothes and carpeting. Place items in sealed bags with mothballs or place them outside for a few weeks to dry out.

 

What to do if you Find mold in your space?

If you find that there are molds in your living or work space, remediation of the affected area is necessary. Effective methods for removing mold include steam cleaning; chemical treatment such as bleach solutions or hydrogen peroxide-based cleansers; physical removal by scraping off surfaces coated in biofilm (mold material); and neutralizing cleaners which use oxidants like chlorine dioxide gas or sodium bicarbonate to destroy organic molecules on porous building materials.

The first step of remediation is to identify any sources for moisture. This will be done by inspecting visible water leaks, checking for condensation on pipes or finding damp spots in ceilings. If a source can not be found then there might still be hidden areas that need investigating such as cavities in walls or floorboards.”

“It’s important to inspect all potential problem areas inside and out before beginning repairs work so you know what needs fixing most urgently”. It could lead to more damage if left unattended leading to another type of cost – time investment in trying to fix it again after having already wasted money once.”

• Professional remediators will use biocides such as chlorine dioxide gas or hydrogen peroxide vapor in order to kill off molds when applied correctly. Surfaces that are porous should be sealed with an antimicrobial paint before being painted over again if the contamination has been removed.
• Inspector measures humidity levels across buildings and then decides on the type of treatment. It is a very important step which must be performed on initial level.
• If you suspect mold, have it confirmed by a qualified professional to determine the type of contamination and location.
• Remove all sources of excess moisture from your home or building (e.g., flooding).
• Dry out wet materials in order to prevent further development of mold colonies which can be harmful when present on food items like breads, cereals,…
• Consult with a qualified professional who deals with remediating molds before trying any remediation methods yourself.
• If you have mold in a large area, it is preferable to call for professional help and not undertake any remediation methods yourself.
• Professional remediators will use biocides such as chlorine dioxide gas or hydrogen peroxide vapor which can be effective against most molds when applied correctly.
• Surfaces that are porous should be sealed with an antimicrobial paint before being painted over again if the contamination has been removed.- Inspector measures humidity levels across buildings by using hygrometers/humidity indicators.”

As always, wear protective gear during the process of remediation in order to protect your own body from exposure to harmful bacteria like “Stachybotrys chartarum”.

What harm mold can cause?

Mold can cause very serious health problems for humans. These include respiratory irritations like

-Asthma attacks or chronic coughs;

-Eye irritation (from spores getting into the eyes);

-Allergic reactions;

-Sinusitis;

-Rheumatic fever

as well as other illnesses which are more common in people who have weakened immune systems or lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis that make them vulnerable to infection. In addition, data from studies suggests that prolonged exposure to molds such as stachybotrys chartarum can cause serious damage to your body. So one must wear protective gear while treating the mold.

Mold can damage house ’s material, furniture and other items within a home.

It can cause indoor air quality problems to be worsened by mold growth in the HVAC system or duct work that provides ventilation for your house.

If you have pets they may also be more vulnerable to health problems related to molds because of their higher sensitivity.”

Conclusion paragraph:

 Mold is a fungus that grows in damp and humid places. It can cause health problems if not cleaned up soon enough, as well as damage to homes or businesses. If you think you have mold in your home or business, we recommend contacting Professionals for help with getting rid of it ASAP! We are available 24/7 to get the job done quickly and efficiently so call us today at 720-296-6122