There’s no real way to get rid of mold completely, but you can ensure it doesn’t return by thoroughly removing the problem. This includes addressing conditions that invite mold growth, like moisture.
Ventilate the area and wear protective gloves, a mask, and eye protection while working. Seal off and bag the contaminated area, then dispose of it in a plastic garbage bag. Click the Website to learn more.
Molds are fungi that require sufficient moisture to thrive. They produce spores that the air and land can carry on damp surfaces, where they begin to grow. There are thousands of different types of molds, but most of them do not pose serious health risks. Some more common ones include Aspergillus, cladosporium, and Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold). These molds are not toxic to healthy adults and do not cause allergy symptoms like watery eyes or itchy skin. However, they can be harmful to children and people with compromised immune systems.
Other more dangerous molds are serpula, chromium, and fusarium. These molds can be found in damp environments and are often associated with a musty smell. They grow on wallpaper, carpeting and other fabrics and can lead to severe health complications in those with weakened immune systems. They also have the ability to digest materials that they come in contact with, which can lead to structural damage.
Another type of mold that is often found in damp areas is trichoderma. This fungus is usually grey or brown in color and has a wool-like texture. It can be spread through the air by spores and is commonly found in damp soil or on old plants. It can also grow on wood products and cause a variety of respiratory problems in those with compromised immune systems.
Some molds are opportunistic and can thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions. Alternaria, for example, can be found both indoors and outdoors, where it is typically found on dead plant material, grass with dew and overwatered soil. This mold can then travel indoors and settle on drywall, wallpaper, window frames and carpeting. When exposed to high levels of humidity, it can also grow in ductwork and inside air conditioning units.
Mucor, on the other hand, grows in a variety of places but is most commonly found in ductwork and air conditioning systems. This fungus has a whitish or grayish appearance and can be seen as a thick layer in these areas. It can be a problem for those with weakened immune systems, as it is associated with respiratory symptoms such as asthma and hay fever. It can also be a health risk for those who are very sensitive to it, producing a number of allergic reactions including red and watery eyes, itchy skin and a sore throat.
Causes
If a home has a musty, earthy or other unpleasant odor in certain areas of the property, it could be due to mold growth. Occupants of the property may also notice respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing or nasal congestion, which can indicate the presence of mold. Animals in the property may show signs of allergy or asthma, which can also be due to mold.
If mold has grown in the walls, it’s important to eliminate it as soon as possible. This is because the mold can spread to other areas, such as insulation, ceiling, flooring, studs and joists, when left untreated. There’s no acceptable level of mold in walls and it should be eliminated as soon as it is discovered.
The first step in eliminating mold from the walls is to find and stop the water source. This might require calling a plumber to fix a leaky pipe or unclogging a drain, but it’s less expensive than letting the problem worsen and allowing it to affect other parts of the building. Once the water is stopped, a homeowner can begin cleaning the walls.
Generally, it’s safe to clean small areas of surface mold with commercially available mold and mildew removers or bleach solution. However, homeowners should wear NIOSH-approved respirators, disposable gloves and old coveralls or a suit when handling moldy materials. Mold spores can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and can trigger allergic reactions, such as coughing or rashes.
If the amount of mold is large, it’s better to call a professional for the cleanup. In addition to the health hazards, mold can damage surfaces it grows on and eat through wood. This is particularly dangerous if the mold is Stachybotrys chartarum, which is black and toxic to humans.
In addition, professionals can identify other sources of water that need to be addressed, such as clogged gutters and leaky roofs, to prevent future mold growth in the area. Water build up that can’t be dried quickly can lead to flooding, water damage and a host of other problems that should be fixed immediately to prevent further mold damage.
Symptoms
Mold spores can trigger allergy symptoms, including itchy eyes, runny nose and sore throat. Some types of mold also release mycotoxins that are toxic to humans and can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. Some of the most common symptoms of mycotoxin exposure include breathing difficulty, sinus congestion and fatigue.
The presence of mold is often signaled by changes in your pet’s behaviour, such as hiding from areas of the home, wheezing and a loss of appetite. You may also notice your pets acting unusually lethargic, especially if they are typically active or love to play outdoors.
Other signs of mold exposure may be stomach problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as skin rashes, itching and burning sensations. You may even find that your pets’ fur becomes dull or their skin is brittle.
A few splotches of surface mold in your bathtub or on bathroom tiles doesn’t typically mean you have a bigger problem that requires professional intervention, as long as they aren’t accompanied by any other damp or musty smells. However, if you see widespread, thick patches of mold in your ceiling or walls, it’s important to call in a professional for assessment and safe removal.
Mold is most likely to grow in humid areas, so you should regularly wipe down surfaces and keep humidity levels below 50%. In addition, you should regularly clean and dust your home to prevent the build-up of organic material that mold can grow on, says Sokolowski.
If you suspect your house has a serious mold problem, you should also consider calling a specialist in water damage restoration or waterproofing to assess the situation and make recommendations for repair and remediation. It’s important to act quickly, as toxic mold colonies can release mycotoxins into the air that are dangerous or even life-threatening for some people.
Treatment
You can remove some types of mold using items already in your home, such as hydrogen peroxide or distilled white vinegar. You can mix these with baking soda to create a paste that is effective on non-porous surfaces and also helps eliminate mildewy smells.
Use this mixture to scrub surfaces, such as kitchen cabinets or bathroom walls, and let it sit for about 30 minutes before scrubbing again. After this, rinse and dry the surface with a clean cloth or sponge. This method is safe and easy to follow without the need for chemical cleaners.
For more stubborn or extensive mold growth, you can use a water bleach solution to kill the mold spores and restore surfaces. To prepare, combine equal parts of water and bleach with a lesser quantity of baking soda to create a paste. Apply this on the areas of mold growth and scrub with a damp brush or sponge. Leave the mixture to work for about 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing again with clean water. Repeat as needed until you have removed the mold and the area has been cleaned and dried.
Bleach is effective for most non-porous surfaces, such as stainless steel or tile. However, it can be toxic to humans if it comes into contact with skin and eyes, so you should always handle it with caution. Always wear rubber gloves and nonporous clothing when cleaning up a mold problem, as well as a dust mask (the CDC recommends an N-95 filtering facepiece respirator).
While you’re working on any mold removal project, separate the work area from the rest of your home with plastic sheeting to contain spores. Make sure that all air supply and return vents in the work area are covered and exhaust vented outdoors.
Preventing the spread of mold is an ongoing process that requires a combination of tactics, including fixing leaks immediately, cleaning up spills and scrubbing surfaces, and keeping humidity below 50 percent. It is important to repair and replace damaged materials and stow belongings that may have been exposed to moisture in plastic bags or garbage bags.
