Safe and Effective Mold Removal

The risk of using an unqualified mold removal service is not having the mold problem fixed or creating a worse problem. Anyone with health concerns should consult a physician prior to beginning the mold removal.

Those concerned about mold in their homes or those that have found mold will want to take the necessary precautions and remove it as soon as possible. Mold can lead to a variety of health concerns and will damage your home. Some molds you can remove yourself, but for larger jobs, you will want to contact a mold removal professional.

What Is It?

Molds are microscopic fungi. A fungi is neither a plant nor an animal. They use enzymes to feed on people and animals. When a home is damp, either because of poor ventilation or because of water damage, molds will grow and spread. As a matter of fact, for mold to survive, it needs a moist environment. Molds can attack drywall, carpet backing, fiberboard, paper, wood, dust, and exposed soil in crawl-spaces in homes. If left unattended, mold can create numerous health problems, both major and minor depending upon the type of mold. It can also destroy a home and create thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Professional mold removal is needed by those that have large mold problems. If an area is smaller, 3 ft. by 3 ft. or less, a homeowner can usually conquer the problem without professional assistance. However, some mold spores are very dangerous, and if you suspect you have discovered toxic mold, contact a professional mold removal service immediately. Toxic molds have been responsible for human illness for hundreds of years. They can exist in damp environments in the home and workplace without ever being obvious. In the last decade, there have been several reports of toxic molds causing serious and fatal consequences for infants and sensitive individuals.

Molds are dangerous because they produce secondary metabolites such as antibiotics and mycotoxins, which is a poisonous substance produced by a fungus. Mold was primarily believed to be thought of as a contaminant in food, but that perception is changing. Recently, researchers have grown concerned with multiple mycotoxins that derive from many types of mold spores growing indoors in moist environments. Although it is difficult to predict how exposure to multiple toxigenic molds will affect each individual, the following is a list of possible health problems that may be caused by mold:

• Vascular system problem. This could include the possibility of hemorrhaging into body tissues.
• Digestive system problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal hemorrhage, liver effects (such as necrosis and fibrosis).
• Respiratory problems including respiratory distress and bleeding from the lungs.
• Nervous system complications such as tremors, lack of coordination, headaches, and depression.
• Cutaneous system which are issues with the skin including rash, burning sensation, and sloughing of skin.
• Urinary system problems.
• Reproductive system problems including infertility and changes in reproductive cycles.
• Weakening of the immune system

Who Needs It?

Anyone that has found mold in their homes needs to have it removed immediately. If you have experienced water damage, take the proper preventative measures to avoid mold. Small areas can be repaired to avoid further moisture build up and then thoroughly cleaned with bleach. There are guidelines available for cleaning mold in public buildings that can also be used in homes.

Contact a professional if the area affected is large or difficult to reach. Mold removal cleaning services will first help you to repair the water problem. They will then complete the clean up. All mold can not be removed from the home, but the growing mold will be cleaned and further mold growth will be prevented by keeping the area dry and well ventilated. Be sure the cleaning service you choose is experienced with mold and get references from previous customers. If a company promotes any mold removal products, consider choosing a different service. Also ask them if fog in crawl spaces and attics because it is not an appropriate method of mold removal.