MOLD remediation
Mold in homes can be a problem. Promptly addressing mold issues is important to prevent health risks and avoid costly repairs
​Mold can cause a variety of allergic reactions, ranging from mild hay fever symptoms to more severe conditions such as mold-induced asthma, allergic fungal sinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In addition to allergens, mold can also pose other health risks, such as skin mucous membrane infections, particularly for those who are susceptible. It's important to be aware of these risks and take necessary to avoid exposure to mold.
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Moisture control is crucial in preventing mold growth. Acting quickly to dry wet or damp areas within 24-48 hours of a or spill can prevent mold from developing. Regularly cleaning and repairing roof gutters, ensuring proper drainage away from the foundation, and keeping air conditioning drip pans clean can also help prevent moisture buildup. It's important keep indoor humidity below 60% to the risk of mold growth.
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To reduce humidity in your home, it's important to vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. Additionally, using air conditioners and/or deumidifiers when needed can help. Running the bathroom fan or opening the window when showering, and using exhaust fans or opening windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc. can also help to reduce humidity levels.
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​To prevent condensation, there are a few actions you can take. First, reduce the humidity in the area. You can also increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and windows, or using fans. Covering cold surfaces with insulation and increasing the air temperature can also help.
Alternaria
A type of mold that is commonly found in damp areas such as showers, bathtubs, and sinks. It has a velvet texture and appears dark green or brown. However, it can pose a risk to human health as it cause asthma-like symptoms in the upper tract, nose, and mouth. It is important to take necessary precautions to prevent its growth and exposure.
Acremonium.
Exposure to this mold can be very dangerous and lead to disease. As a carcinogen, it can also impair brain function. It typically grows in household systems and areas such as condensation from humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and sealants. Acremonium starts as a small, moist mold that turns into a fine, powdery substance and is often pink, gray, orange, or white.
Aspergillus
It's important to be aware of the risks associated with this common household mold. Aspergillus can cause respiratory issues and even produce mycotoxins in certain species. It's crucial to take steps to prevent and address mold growth in homes to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.
Chaetomium
A type of mold that thrives in chronically moist environments, such as water-damaged buildings. It has a cotton texture and can change colors from white to gray to brown and eventually to black. This mold is commonly found in areas near damp or leaking roofs, basements, burst pipes, or sinks. Exposure to Chaetomium can cause health effects such as skin and nail infections, and it can sometimes mycotoxins.
Cladosporium
Mold that can grow in both warm and cold conditions. It has an olive-green or brown color and a suede-like texture. This mold is commonly found in materials such as fabrics, upholsteries, and carpets, and can also develop under floorboards and inside cupboards. Exposure to Cladosporium can cause allergic reactions to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, leading symptoms such as skin rashes and lesions, asthma, lung infections, and sinusitis.
Mucor
This mold that can cause health problems, especially issues and worsen asthma conditions. It grows quickly in moist areas, often near air conditioning and HVAC systems. Prolonged exposure to Mucor can lead to a severe fungal infection called mucormycosis which can damage the skin, lungs, and brain.
Penicillium
This common allergenic mold can be easily recognized by its blue or green color and velvety texture. It is often found in water-damaged homes and buildings, particularly in materials such as carpets, wallpapers, ducting, and mattresses. Exposure to this mold can cause pulmonary inflammation and asthma, and prolonged exposure can lead to chronic sinusitis. It's important to take necessary precautions to prevent and remove mold growth in your home or workplace
Stachybotrys
Also known as black mold, is a toxic type of mold that appears dark greenish or black with a slimy texture. It thrives in damp, wet areas with high humidity levels and grows on cellulose materials such as wood, cardboard, paper, hay, or wicker. Exposure to Stachybotrys can cause severe health problems, including difficulty breathing, sinusitis, fatigue, depression, burning sensations in airways, chest tightening, persistent cough, nosebleeds, fever, painful headaches, and pain in the mucus membranes/sinuses. It has also been linked to neurological problems in children and pulmonary bleeding in infants.