What’s your knowledge level when it comes to the dangers and prevention of house mold? Inform yourself and better protect yourself from mold with these key facts.
1. The health effects can be serious.
Especially for people with existing respiratory problems (such as asthma or mold allergies), mold spores in the home can cause serious health problems when ingested.
2. Moisture breeds house mold.
Mold cannot truly grow and thrive without moisture, so keeping humidity levels reduced in the home is the best way to prevent dangerous mold growth. Ideal indoor humidity levels to avoid mold issues are between
30% and 60%, depending on climate and time of year.
3. Water leaks are a common cause.
One of the most common causes of mold is that of water leaks. This can include undetected plumbing leaks within your home’s walls, leaks underneath your kitchen sink, or even roof leaks.
4. Mold can grow rapidly.
Once mold spores have begun to grow, they can multiply very rapidly in humid conditions. Even a small and relatively minor instance of mold can quickly grow and become seriously dangerous within just a few days, especially if spores are picked up and cycled through a home’s HVAC and ventilation system.
5. Some mold can be toxic.
Certain types of mold, such as black mold, can be toxic to humans and its effects can even be fatal. Some of the most common symptoms of black mold exposure include eye irritation, coughing/sneezing, and skin rashes.
6. Mold can be cleaned off hard surfaces.
While mold can be cleaned off of hard and non-porous surfaces using a mixture of warm water and detergent, any porous surfaces that have been affected by mold should be replaced. This includes carpeting, furniture, and even ceiling tiles.
7. Insulation can help prevent mold.
One of the best ways to prevent mold in the home is to make sure your home is well insulated. With poor insulation, condensation can easily form on the interior walls and ceilings of your home, which creates an ideal breeding ground for mold spores. Consider updating your home’s insulation for added protection and energy savings.
8. Not all mold is easily visible.
Mold can often grow in “hidden” spaces in your home, such as in your attic or even inside of walls. Still, the spores are circulating through the air, which can be dangerous to your health.
9. You can reduce indoor humidity.
Keeping indoor humidity levels down is pretty simple. Make sure bathrooms are well vented (especially when showers are in use) and always use exhaust fans while cooking. If your home’s humidity levels are elevated, consider installing a humidifier on your existing HVAC system or purchase a free-standing one.
10. Mold remediation is not a DIY job.
If you discover a mold problem in your home, it’s always in your best interest to contact a mold remediation professional. Attempting to handle a mold problem yourself can be dangerous to your health and will likely be ineffective as well.
Being educated on the causes, risks, and prevention strategies for household mold can help you make better informed decisions for your own safety and the safety of your loved ones. If you’re in need of mold remediation assistance,
contact our team of professionals at
Zona Restoration today. We offer everything from mold inspections and testing to remediation and removal!
