What is mold and how does mold grow?
Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, present virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds, along with mushrooms and yeast, are a type of fungus that helps to break down dead material and recycle nutrients in the environment.
Mold is most common in damp or humid environments, especially in Arkansas, such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Mold can also grow on clothing, furniture, and other household items.
For molds to grow and reproduce, they only need three elements:
- a food source – any organic material, such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt
- moderate temperature environment
- moisture
Mold is most common in damp or humid environments, especially in Arkansas, such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Mold can also grow on clothing, furniture, and other household items.
What are the health symptoms of having mold in your home?
Molds produce health effects through inflammation, allergy, or infection. Allergic reactions are the most common occurrences following exposures to high concentrations of molds.
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, typical symptoms that people exposed to molds report (alone or in combination) include:
- Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Eye irritation (burning, watery or reddened eyes)
- Dry, hacking cough
- Nose or throat irritation
- Skin rashes or irritation
How much mold can I have in my home before I get sick?
It really depends. Most people don’t have any problems with molds unless the spore levels are high. But for other people, for example someone with a weakened immune system, a small number of mold spores can cause asthma attacks or other health problems.
However, mold should not be growing inside a building and its sustained growth can be unhealthy. Basically, if you can see or smell mold inside your home, school, or office building, you should take steps to identify and eliminate the excess moisture and clean up or remove the mold.
How can I tell if I may have mold problems?
Among the health symptoms described above, you may notice other problems around your home such as:
- Discoloration or spots on clothing, furniture, or walls.
- Stale or musty odors in your home.
- frequently moist or damp conditions in your home.
- Water damaged ceiling or wall spots
- Warped flooring or walls.
All of these signs are clear indications that there is a moisture problem in your house. It is recommended to get someone to check your home’s AC system.
What to do if you find mold in your home?
In cases of a small amount of mold, mold can be removed with proper cleaning techniques by the homeowner.
However, if the mold growth is extensive, or in a commercial environment, you may need to hire a professional remediation company to remove the mold safely.
Taking steps to prevent moisture buildup in your home, such as using a dehumidifier, can help to prevent mold growth.
Steps to take to prevent mold in your home.
Mold thrives in humid environments, so it’s no surprise that it’s a common problem in Arkansas during the summer months. There are a few things you can do to prevent mold from taking hold in your home:
First, make sure your air conditioner is properly maintained and functioning correctly. This includes, at minimum semi-annual service and inspections, and quarterly or monthly filter changes. This will help to keep humidity levels under control.
Second, keep an eye out for any water leaks, and repair them promptly. A leaky appliance or faucet can easily create the perfect environment for mold.
Third, ventilate areas that tend to be moist, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
By taking these simple precautions, you can help to prevent mold from becoming a problem in your home.
Trust the Experts. Trust ABS Restoration Services.
Our professional Mold Remediation team follows a proven, step-by-step process to make your home or business safe again.
First, we visually inspect the area to find any potential mold, tracing it to the source if possible. If requested, ABS Restoration would perform mold air testing services for homes and businesses.
Then, our team contains the affected area and removes moldy, non-salvageable, porous material, and implements negative air pressure technology to keep harmful mold spores from traveling to other areas of your home or business.
Next, specialized cleaning solutions and HEPA filtered vacuums to remove mold on non-porous surfaces, then set up air scrubbers with HEPA filters.
Finally, we ULV fog with a powerful, plant based, antimicrobial solution to ensure that we treat the deepest, darkest corners of your home.
The moment you notice mold, you must act. Even a small amount of mold in the home can multiply quickly, and it’s entirely possible that there is more existing mold than what meets the eye.
Call ABS Restoration Services in North Little Rock today to ensure the safety of your home and the health of your loved ones within it. (501) 367-7300
