Awareness of the threat posed to people and property by indoor mold infestation continues to grow. The sometimes shocking reality is that mold spores live everywhere floating in the world around us. When they encounter warm and humid conditions these spores can germinate into an increasingly fast-growing mold colony.
Not only does this release more mold spores into the air in greater concentrations, but it can also permeate the surrounding environment with harmful mycotoxins. There are even thousands and thousands of different mold strains. Some are seemingly benign, while others like dangerous “Black Mold” can cause chronic health conditions and potentially severe reactions.
If your property has a significant mold problem, you need to have it taken care of as soon as possible. The severity of the problem as well as the type of strain and other factors will determine whether the mold infestation needs remediation or if key components need total removal followed by proper disposal.
Common Signs Of Mold In A Residential Or Commercial Property
There are a few telltale signs of a mold problem in a home or building. Some are not always visually obvious, though none should ever be taken lightly or ignored. If you have noticed any of the following things, you should strongly consider having a professional mold test performed to assess the severity and risk of your mold problem.
- Noticeable patches of discoloration on hard surfaces
- Discolored porous surfaces
- An earthy or musty odor in a room
- People with respiratory health conditions having reactions
- People with respiratory allergies having reactions
- Symptoms that go away when you leave on vacation and return again
- Any of the above symptoms after a water event or flooding
What Are The Different Types Of Mold?
There are thousands of different strains of naturally occurring mold floating around in the air around us. Though they can largely be broken down into one of three categories: Allergenic, Pathogenic, and Toxic.
Allergenic Molds
These strains of naturally occurring mold can cause an adverse reaction that mimics symptoms of hay fever as well as itchy eyes, runny noses, congestion, and more. They are more likely to affect people with pre-existing respiratory allergies. Though they can just as easily affect a totally normal, healthy person. One of the most common types of Allergenic mold found in homes is known as Cladosporium, which requires professional remediation or removal to alleviate.
Pathogenic Molds
This is a more dangerous category of mold that can affect other systems of the human body than just the respiratory system. Some strains of pathogenic molds such as Aspergillus have been linked to more serious health issues that can affect the human nervous system. In fact, a growing body of research has found links pointing to a relationship between certain types of pathogenic molds and conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Toxic Molds
The most well-known type of toxic mold is Stachybotrys or so-called “Toxic Black Mold” which can harm the immune system of even a healthy person as well as increase the risk of developing chronic inflammatory and other medical conditions.
Regardless of the strain of mold affecting your home or commercial property, there simply aren’t any type of molds that you want occupying your indoor space.
What Is Mold Remediation?
The term “Mold Remediation” refers to the act of removing materials that have been compromised or otherwise badly damaged by mold. It is designed to be a measure of precaution to limit the damage as well as mitigate the potential health concerns for the occupants as well as the contractor performing the work.
What Is Mold Removal?
The term “Mold Removal” refers to the act of removing the presence of mold from a building or property site. In some of these cases, the mold’s presence might only be on the surface of a non-porous or semi-porous material.
Is It Dangerous To Remove Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that reproduces via airborne particles. Any time you disturb the colony there is a heightened risk that the colony might respond by releasing an abundance of mold spores and potentially dangerous mycotoxins into the air. In a scenario like this, the original colony might be effectively removed, but the spores it releases will simply lead to new colonies spawning throughout the property.
Mold remediation specialists use professional-grade equipment and training to isolate and neutralize mold colonies. This involves techniques that prevent the spread of mold spores as well as limiting anyone’s exposure to airborne mycotoxins.
Afterward, the mold-infested materials can then be professionally disposed of according to state, and local codes.
What Is Sanitization?
Sanitization is a part of the mold remediation and removal process that is designed to reduce the volume of airborne contaminants as well as any surface mold that is less than 10 square feet. This ultimately affects a dramatic reduction of airborne spore count, which further reduces the chances of new mold colonies arising on or throughout the property.
Mold Remediation & Removal Process
There are several key stages that we apply to any mold remediation and removal process. Each one plays a crucial role in assessing the mold, preventing the spread, and effectively eliminating the problem.
Assessing & Identifying The Severity Of The Mold Problem – Our highly trained technicians will use an experienced eye, and professional-grade equipment to assess the severity of the mold problem, as well as identify any areas of concern.
Mold Removal & Remediation
We then use industry best practices to remove and remediate the presence of mold in all affected areas. This might include sealing off specific areas and using special sanitation techniques to prevent the spread of mold spores and mycotoxins.
Mold Disposal
Any mold-infested materials will then be carefully removed and properly disposed of according to all pertinent state, local, and federals safety codes.
Preventive Strategy
Once the mold problem has been effectively removed and remediated we can help you understand what things you can do to prevent a mold problem from recurring again. This might include things like upgrading HVAC systems, placing dehumidifiers in key locations during high humidity times of the year, or the use of mold inhibiting products.
