Things that you should know about Molds and why you should prevent the growth of mold in your property.
What is a Mold?
Mold is an organism that grows in the form of threads or filaments, and is most commonly found in areas that are warm and wet. The appearance of mold growths is a sign of problems with moisture management - either excessive moisture or lack of proper ventilation.
What can a mold do to your health?
The presence of mold into your property can cause severe health problems. Some molds can produce mycotoxins, a poisonous substance that can cause illness or event death if inhaled or ingested by humans or animals.
Toxins from mold are released into the air, which makes them much easier to breathe in than if you're standing directly in front of the mold itself. This means that you don't necessarily have to see or touch any mold for its effects to be felt by people who breathe in the air near it. Breathing with mould toxins can cause major health problems, including respiratory issues such as asthma, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, lung infections and bronchitis. These symptoms aren't going to just go away on their own — they require medical treatment.
The most common toxic house mold is a "Black Mold" or "Stachybotrys chartarum" and are frequently associated with poor indoor air quality that arises after fungal growth on water-damaged building materials. A long term exposure to black mold may lead to irreversible damage to the organs, weak immune system and even brain damage, all of which could ultimately lead into death. People with suppressed immune systems have a greater risk from mold exposure than others.
Mould growth as a significant health hazard
*Health Canada considers indoor mould growth to be a significant health hazard. The word mould is a common term referring to fungi that can grow on building materials in homes or other buildings. Damp conditions and mould growth in homes increases the risk of respiratory allergy symptoms and exacerbate asthma in mold-sensitive individuals. It is important to know how to identify, address and prevent moisture and mould in your home.
People living in homes with mould and damp conditions are more likely to have:
eye, nose and throat irritation
coughing and plegm build up
wheezing and shortness of breath
worstening of asthma symptoms
Any respiratory health concerns should be discussed with a physician if you suspect that these could be caused by poor indoor air quality. Your physician is best suited to determine if your symptoms may be related to environmental factors or some other underlying cause.
Where are molds most commonly found?
Molds can be found almost anywhere there is moisture and where organic material can grow.
Here are some of the most common areas at home where moulds could be found:
Shower/Bathtub
Refrigerator
Pantry
Mattress
Under your carpet
Behind the drywall and panelling
Inside or behind the insulation
Underneath the carpet and flooring material
Indoor plants
Fireplace
Chimney
Basement
How to prevent the growth of mold?
Although molds can cause severe health issues, mold is still a natural part of our environment and it is nearly impossible to avoid molds, but it could be prevented.
Here are some easy ways on how to prevent the growth of mold at home:
Keep humidity levels low
Make sure that your exhaust fan and vents are properly working
Pay attention and fix water leaks right away
Clean and dry up your home within 48 hours if flood occurs
Remove and replace household materials that has been exposed to moisture and cannot be dried right away.
Keep you bathroom and sink clean and dry.
Remove any source of moisture
What should I need to do if I found a mold on my property?
When molds are affecting your health and safety, consulting a physician and seeking for a professsional mold removal service is the most cost-effective solution. In almost all cases of indoor or building-related mold, leaving the mold in place will lead to more negative effects. Removal should be performed as soon as possible to limit the amount of exposure you and your family have.
If you have mold issues in your property, it is necessary to remove the mold as soon as possible before it widely spreads throughout your whole property and seeking for a professional mold removal contractor should be considered for your health safety upon mold removal. Cerkal General Services LTD. is a professional abatement remediation company based in Edmonton, AB., that has experties in mold removal. Cerkal General Services LTD. is always here to help you with your mold removal and all other remediation needs, so feel free to call us at 825 522 1728 or visit our website to request for a mold assessment.