Risks Of Black Mold

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It seems like black mold is becoming an increasingly common problem for our community these days, as are the health concerns it brings with it. A recent study by the Mayo Clinic indicated that almost all chronic sinus problems were as a result of exposure to black mold, while the reported rate of asthma has increased threefold because of mold.

There are many species of mold found in the home, but the most concerning is Black Mold, or to give it its scientific name : Stachybotrys Chartarum. This is a very toxic species of mold and can be found naturally both indoors and out. When outdoors, it is pretty harmless and will thrive in moist soils, rotting wood and manure. However, indoors it will grow almost anywhere that moisture has been absorbed, particularly carpeting, drywall and flooring amongst others. As there is not so much ventilation indoors the risks become more acute.

Commonly, the health risks caused by black mold appear in the form of an allergic reaction. Inhaling the spores cause hay fever like symptoms which can be uncomfortable but are not too serious. However, in some cases the reactions are much more serious resulting in Mold Induced Asthma, Allergic Fungal Sinusitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia and many other respiratory conditions. In young children, the elderly and those with existing conditions these are more serious and can be fatal.

Why take any chances? Call in a professional mold testing expert to check out your property for the presence of black mold.

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Dangers Lurking In Wet Carpets

When your property experiences flooding, one of the worst consequences is a wet carpet. It takes only 24 to 48 hours for water damage to destroy your floor coverings, leaving them smelly and infested with mold. Time is a priority when dealing with carpet drying. A flood does not necessarily mean that the carpet is irreparable, if you get on the case immediately then there is every possibility of it being rescued. The carpet itself is not so much a danger, it is the padding beneath it which acts as a huge sponge, absorbing moisture and creating the perfect breeding ground for mildew and other bacteria. That is why even if your carpet appears dry on the surface, you cannot risk leaving it alone because the underlying padding could still be wet and be breeding all manner of nasty things which will soon become airborne and affect your health.

Timing is everything. In an ideal situation, the water should be drained and your carpet dried within 24 hours of exposure to moisture, even up to 48 hours afterwards can still allow for reasonable rescue although it may only be possible to salvage the carpet and not the padding. However, when you hit 72 hours after exposure, it is best to assume your wet carpet cannot be saved. The longer your carpet is soaked the worse the problem is going to get so you should call in professional assistance immediately to extract the water, dry the surface and the underneath of the carpet and steam clean it to kill lingering microbial growth and eliminate odors.

Failure to dry a wet carpet after a flood will put to your health at risk. Inside of a week the carpet will be showing visible signs of mold growth. Mold spreads unbelievably quickly and once airborne can have a negative impact on your health. Health concerns include respiratory difficulties, irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat and exacerbation of existing health conditions. The elderly, young children and expectant mothers are especially at risk.

The Effects of Mold On Your Health and Home

New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina: Mold infestations in bedroom of home in Carrollton neighborhood. House did not flood and had minor exterior damage, but small leaks during the storm plus being vacant for weeks resulted in homeowners returning to this scene. Photo by Infrogmation (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Molds are everywhere! We can find them both indoors and outdoors and they are naturally occurring in order to break down materials.. When mold attaches to organic matter including construction materials like wood and drywall it will gradually eat away at the host. When molds are present in large amounts they can also present health issues such as allergic reactions and respiratory difficulties.

In the most severe cases of mold contamination, spores become air borne and can be inhaled by the residents of the property leading to a range of problems including respiratory failure, asthma, infections and a number of other health concerns. Just as mold can break down structural components, so too can it break down the human body.

Spores are usually found in damp areas of a property, and is usually a result of water damage. We are in fact exposed to mold on a daily basis without any real harm. However, in people with existing health concerns even a small amount of mold can be a problem. A good rule of thumb is that if you see or smell mold, then have it taken care of as soon as you can. Some molds can produce toxins called mycotoxins, exposure to which can present a substantial risk to health. These toxins are present in both living and non-living mold spores.

If you call in a mold remediation expert, they will begin by carrying out mold testing. This will include taking air samples and surface samples to determine the types of molds which are present in your home. It is very important to know the type and the toxicity level of molds in your home so that the professional technician can decide which approach he should take to remediation. Removing the surface growth is not enough, the underlying cause of the mold growth must also be addressed otherwise there will be ongoing regrowth problems in your property.

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