Mold is a not only a very disgusting thing to look at from an esthetic point of view but it can be hazardous to your health and the structure of your home. As mold grows it releases tiny spores that cause many health problems such as allergic reaction, cough, throat irritation, runny eyes and nose, bronchitis, etc. Mold infestation is a common problem to almost every home. It is always better to prevent and eliminate mold in its early stage. There are several steps that can help you to identify mold and eliminate the infestations.
How to Identify Mold?
It is easy to spot visible mold and mildew, because if you have a foul smelling odor that comes and goes and you cannot completely get rid of or if you notice black spots in a damp and wet area such as basement, attic, bathroom, grout line, crawl space you should having you home evaluated for mold. If you or any of your family members are getting sick without any specific reason then there can be mold infestation in your house.
Precaution before Mold Removal
Remove water intrusion and dampness: first step is to eliminate the water intrusion like plumbing leaks, or roof leaks. Otherwise mold will grow and spread to other areas of your house. If you live in high humid zone then use dehumidifier to control the humidity level in your home. Repair leaks in plumbing site and roof immediately. If you experienced flood then use a sump pump to clear stagnant water from your basement and home. Mold can start to grow within 24 hours.
Control dust: try to minimize dust in your home by using HEPPA filters which will help to prevent the spread of the toxic mold spores. Otherwise at the time of mold removal you can stir the mold particles that have the toxic airborne spores. If the spores spread all over the house it can cause more damage to you and your property. When you use air purifiers or ionizers this helps to minimize airborne particles.
Products you can use in Mold Removal
There are many products and solutions you can use to remove and clean molds. Before cleaning the mold you should know what types of old and the scope of the clean-up procedure is. Many over the counter products are available but it you are just using the chemicals without having the complete picture of the mold infestation you can waste money time and place your family at risk for becoming sick from the mold and mildew. If you have any area that is greater than 10 X10 you should seek the advice of a professional.
It is recommended that you consult with a certified industrial hygienist who will inspect and collect samples that will be sent to a certified lab for analysis. Once the reports are back you will have the recipe for success in working with a certified remediation company who will complete a scope of practice or what is needed to remove the mold and kill the toxic spores. The goal is to restore you property to a safe place for your family and your pets to live.