What is Mold?
Mold is a kind of fungi that produces tiny spores. Once released, these spores float through the air searching for a place to settle and procreate. They seek warm, moist, dark places with some source of food. Mold is easily modified to develop and adapt to the surrounding environment which means it can quickly spread if not contained.
We encounter mold every day. In fact, there are over 400,000 different types of mold. But don’t worry! Only about 100,000 even have names, and of those named types, about 80, or 0.02% are suspected to cause any illness.
Mold can easily be divided in to two categories: harmful and non-harmful. Harmful mold is found on food, upholstery, the walls of our home or office, and in dark, moist places, such as under a sink or the back corner of a basement. It is usually a green, blue or black color and appears in large rings or in a fuzzy like substance which grows on the affected surface (think cheese that has gone bad or bread that has spoiled). Quite often, there is a noticeable smell as well, which means by using your eyes and nose you can usually detect bad mold. Black mold is the most common type of harmful mold, and sadly is the most common type of mold found in our homes and offices. Non-harmful mold, which comprises approximately 99.98% of all molds, is mainly left alone, as it has little effect on our life. However, sometimes it is used in medicines and medical treatment as it can have restorative properties.
Scientists estimate that there are more than 270 recognized varieties of mold found in most Canadian households. The most common type, black mold, is one of the most dangerous. It can easily be noticed by its large black and green colored rings and spots which quickly will cover a wall or piece of upholstery. When you discover that you have mold in your home or office, contact a mold restoration and remediation company right away. The longer the mold is left untreated, the quicker it spreads and the more health damage it can cause. You can start by following the steps below to help slow the spreading process until the professionals arrive.
Mold Growth
As stated above, mold is a type of fungi that produces tiny spores. Like all living things, it looks for a comfortable environment where it can settle down and procreate. Moist, dark, warm places with a source of food are ideal conditions for mold as they provide a nurturing environment for the spores to live and thrive. Unlike humans, a lack of light is important for mold to grow as it creates an even cozier environment by which the spores can multiply. While not all types of mold require a water source, the water usually aids in the survival of the mold by delivering nutrients and furthering the growth.
Mold: Why You Should Care!
Mold, especially black mold, is much more dangerous than many people think. For starters, mold is a source of many health related problems for individual of all ages, but especially young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Mold is a breeding ground for disease and can cause minor health issues such as a cough, increased allergies and headache, as well as more severe health effects such as asthma, respiratory infection and lung cancer. From a physical stand point, mold not only discolors stains and damages surfaces such as upholstery, wood and food, it can also cause structural damage. Excessive mold can be responsible for wood decay, housing and office damage and drywall which falls apart, leaving holes in the wall.
5 Steps for Dealing with a Continual Mold Problem
If you find yourself with a reoccurring mold problem, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure that the issue does not continue. Below we have compiled a list of a few steps we are 911 Mold San Francisco recommend. Yet most importantly, these steps are just a simplistic answer to a much more difficult problem. When you find mold in your home or office, contact the specialists at 911 Mold San Francisco as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage can occur.
Step 1 – Dispose of Mold or Damaged Materials
Home furniture and upholstery, such as mattresses, floor coverings, or couches that have been affected by mold must be removed immediately. The longer these items sit inside affected by mold, the higher the chance that the mold may spread to the walls, floors and other structural parts of the house. By removing these items immediately, you decrease the chance of further mold problems.
Step 2 – Vacuum
We all know that we need to vacuum more often that we actually do. Yet when you find that you have mold in your house, constant vacuuming is a great way to reduce spore dispersal and the spread of mold. All areas in the house (floors, walls, ceilings, shelves) and non-washable furnishings (sofas, chairs, etc.) should be vacuumed completely. Not only will it prevent further mold from developing, it will save items from developing mold in the first place.
Step 3 – Clean Wet Areas and Dry
One of the main causes of mold is water. After all, it is one of the basic necessities for life for all living things, including humans. If you find that you have a water leak or water spill, find the source of the leak and stop it. The longer the water continues to flow in to the room, the higher the chances that mold will develop and spread, especially in houses where there is lots of carpet and upholstery or in basements where it is dark and damp. Clean these areas thoroughly and dry any areas where there is sitting water as it is the perfect breeding ground for mold. If you have a transportable dehumidifier, place it in the affected room to help soak up the moisture and make sure to dispose of the water often.
Step 4 – Isolate
Attempt to separate the mold affected region from areas that are mold free. Mold spreads incredibly fast, especially on upholstery, dry wall and wood. Cover the affected areas with plastic sheets and tape the ends with duct tape. While this will not completely prevent the spread of mold, it will help to temporarily stop the issue until the professionals arrive. It will also help reduce your exposure to mold and reduce your risk of health infection and disease.
Step 5 – Clean
Yes, your mother has told you since you were old enough to walk that it’s important to clean. Yet when you find yourself with a mold problem, an intensive cleaning of your home or office is not only extremely important, it can be crucial to your health. An intensive clean can help prevent the spread of mold as well as eliminate many sources of mold, such as sitting water or leftover food. As soon as you notice mold developing, isolate the area and thoroughly clean your house or office, specifically the surrounding areas. Use strong cleaning supplies (they make eco-friendly ones too!!) and scrub, vacuum, wash, and clean like never before. DO NOT CLEAN THE MOLD ITSELF! LEAVE THAT TO THE PROFESSIONALS!!! When cleaning, make sure to open windows, let in lots of sunlight and fresh air. This will help aerate the house or office and create a constant airflow which helps prevent the spread of mold.
Seek Specialist Help ASAP!
Most importantly, when you find yourself with a mold problem, whether big or small, contact a mold remediation and removal specialist ASAP. Here at 911 Mold San Francisco, we specialize in mold removal and remediation and with a team of mold experts, are the area’s premier mold specialists. Don’t let mold destroy your house or your health! Contact us today at (415) 375-3678. Our friendly staff is available 24/7, 365 days a year to assist you with whatever questions you may have. See the difference and experience the chance: 911 Mold San Francisco.
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