Why Is Mold a Problem?

Many people aren’t aware that mold can cause serious structural damage to homes and businesses, which, if le. undetected, can cause a property to lose value and/or require significant repairs. And if you have ever suffered from allergies, exposure to molds can often cause nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation or even more severe reactions.

Please also be careful for sharp objects (knives, broken glass, and sharp objects of any kind) that will cut you. Hypodermic needles can also be a concern. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance in hoarding clean up.

What Does Mold Need in Order to Grow?

Mold needs a moist environment, temperatures above freezing and a food source, which could be leaves, paper, dirt, wood or other building materials. Mold is more likely to be found in damp, dusty spaces or areas with stagnant air.

How Can I Tell If I Have Mold?

If you see mold growth or water stains, a mold test can help identify related microbial activity. You can also look for areas where water leakage has occurred, such as roofs, pipes, ceilings or walls. Musty smells may also indicate the presence of mold.

What Are the Effects of Mold on My Health?

Most mold symptoms are caused by mold allergies. When you breathe in mold spores your immune systems responds by creating allergic reactions. These reactions are the immune system’s defense against foreign particles entering the body.

The more a person is around mold the more sensitive to it they will become. This means that they can end up unable to tolerate being around even small amounts of mold. Their allergic reactions will also become more and more severe.

Symptoms that mold allergies cause include:

• Cold or flu like symptoms – Coughing, sneezing
• Sore, irritated, itchy throat
• Blocked nose, Itchy nose, Runny nose
• Sinus congestion and headaches
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Irritated, itchy skin
• Skin rash, hives
• Watery eyes
• Red, bloodshot eyes
• Itchy eyes and ears
• Hair loss, baldness
• Hay fever symptoms

How Can I Prevent the Growth of Mold in My Home?

The most effective means to keep mold in check include keeping the humidity level of your home at 40–60 percent, using an air conditioner and/or dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces like basements, and always utilizing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, along with dryer vents outside your home. Lastly, if there are leaks in your roof, walls or plumbing, it is important to repair them as soon as possible.

If I See Mold, Couldn’t I Just Treat It Myself With an Off-the-Shelf Spray?

Most non-professional treatments simply cover up odors and possibly kill off surface molds or impurities temporarily. Unfortunately, they can’t penetrate deeper into walls and other areas where molds and mildew originate.

Furthermore, such sprays or aerosols often contain harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients that could be harmful when ingested. Unless the feeding ground of the mold spores is discovered, so the mold can be eliminated at its source, the problem will not be fully resolved.

What Kills Black Mold on Wood?

Have you discovered black mold in your home? Black mold is also known as toxic mold, and if it is left to continue growing inside a home, then it may lead to severe respiratory and other health issues. If the growth of mold is not severe, you may be able to remove it yourself if you have the right supplies.

There are a variety of products that will kill black mold and its spores, however, it is most likely that it will cause permanent damage to any wood in your home — flooring, furniture, and more. The type of products you need to remove black mold on wood will depend on the type of wood surface that you are treating. Overall, be sure to use products that are not corrosive and do not contain abrasive chemicals.

Note: When removing black mold from wood, use precaution. Black mold is associated with serious respiratory problems and skin irritations.

When getting rid of black mold on wood remember the following:

• Wear a face mask or respirator that is rated to protect against mold spores that may already be in the air or get dispersed in the air while you are working.
• Put on clothes that cover your entire body — a long-sleeved shirt and pants are highly recommended.
• Use safety goggles to protect your eyes.
• Use rubber gloves to protect your hands from the cleaning solutions and mold. If you take a break, throw out the gloves you are using and put on a new pair when you begin work again.

If you or your loved ones at home have shown symptoms of respiratory issues, there may be mold in your home. To ensure your and your family’s safety, it may be necessary to leave it to the mold removal experts. At ServiceMaster Disaster Clean up Services, our specialists handle mold growth throughout Illinois. Contact us today to schedule mold removal today!

When Does Mold Need to Be Handled by a Professional?

Most experts recommend a professional remediation company when elevated mold levels are detected. Remediation professionals are specially trained to isolate and treat mold-affected areas to avoid contaminating adjacent spaces.

Some Molds Have the Reputation of Being More Dangerous Than Others. Is Identifying the Mold Important?

Sometimes you will hear terms like “toxic mold” and “black mold” used to refer to molds. While identifying the type of fungus or mold may be interesting, it doesn’t affect the course of action. If mold is present, the CDC has strongly recommended that it be removed by professional mold remediation services, no matter the type.