Mold is a common substance that can be found in a lot of properties throughout the country. One of the reasons why it’s so common is because indoor spaces that are exposed to moisture, damp air, and not enough sun are ideal environments for them to grow. Some types of mold are useful (such as the ones used to make different cheeses), but the kind that can grow in your home may cause all kinds of health problems (including allergies). Some of these health issues can be permanent.
Health Risks Associated with Mold Exposure
Mold refers to small organisms that can be found almost everywhere (both inside and outside). These organisms are needed to break down dead materials, so they’re beneficial to the environment. Because they’re so tiny and lightweight, mold spores can travel easily through the air. But when there’s a large number of them, they can cause allergic symptoms similar to what is experienced with plant pollen.
Exposure to a large number of most spores can cause allergic symptoms, which can include the following:
- Watery eyes.
- Runny nose.
- Sneezing.
- Itching.
- Coughing.
- Wheezing.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
Being repeatedly exposed to mold can increase someone’s sensitivity, which may cause more severe allergic reactions. These problems get worse if it’s indoors, where mold can cause problems with indoor air quality. Some types of mold (such as Stachybotrys and Aspergillus) may produce mycotoxins in some conditions, which can cause more serious illness.
How You Can Test for Mold
There are many ways that you can test for mold on your own. You can always purchase an at-home mold test from almost any hardware store, but you should be wary about how accurate they are because they have been known to give false results. Some unopened test kits have even been moldy when they were purchased.
To get a truly accurate test for mold, you will need to hire a properly certified and experienced professional. It’s a complicated and dangerous process. And if you don’t know that much about mold, you may not read the results correctly. You also run the risk of contamination if you don’t follow the proper chain of custody during the testing process.
If your home was exposed to water damage and you believe it may have led to mold growth, the best way to find out is to have a professional inspect and test it. A certified mold inspector will be able to accurately detect the presence of mold growth, where it’s coming from, and how severe it is.
How You Can Keep Mold Out of Your Home or Building
You should inspect your home or commercial property for any signs of water damage and visible mold. In fact, it should be part of your regular maintenance schedule. Some of the ideal sources for mold growth include:
- Water leaks.
- Condensation.
- Infiltration.
- Flooding.
Taking care of these problems can go a long way toward preventing mold growth inside your home. You can also keep it under control by doing the following:
- Keep your humidity levels under control — You want to keep humidity levels as low as possible (between 30% and 50%) throughout the day. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep these levels under control, but humidity levels can change throughout the day as moisture levels and temperatures fluctuate. That’s why you should check the humidity levels more than once a day.
- Fix leaky roofs, walls, and pipes as soon as possible — Fix any leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing so mold doesn’t have a chance to grow. You should also consider not using carpet in rooms or areas (such as bathrooms) that may have a lot of moisture.
- Thoroughly clean and dry your home after a flood — You should do this within 24-48 hours after any flooding has occurred. Start by digging out any mud and dirt. You should then use a wet vacuum to remove any remaining dirt. Scrub any surfaces that can be cleaned (such as wood, tile, or stone) with soapy water and a bristle brush. You also want to clean any hard surfaces (such as flooring, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, and sinks) with water and dish detergent. Dry them quickly and thoroughly after they have been cleaned. If you have a fan, air conditioner, or dehumidifier that wasn’t affected by the flood, use it to help with the drying process.
If you need one of the best places for a mold inspection in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Gulf Shore Disaster Service.