Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.
How do I get rid of mold?
Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A FLOOD!
- Stay Calm ... Call 949-366-1930 x 60
- Disconnect any electrical appliances, etc. in the affected area... don't forget the furnace!
- Survey the damage. Call us, we can advise you what to look for.
- Call your homeowners insurance or landlord. The damage you see may only be a part of the picture. Making a report to the insurance will put you on record as to taking the proper steps to insure minimal damage.
- If the water leak is from a septic line or system, do not come in contact with the water. This could be a health risk for you or anyone in your home. Call us, we can advise you as to what to do next.
- Remember, moisture can fill your home when you have a flood, even a minor one. This moisture can damage drywall, furniture and personal property, even when they are not in the flood area.
- Do not turn up the heat. When there is an excess amount of moisture in the house, heat will speed up the growth of mold and mildew and raise the relative humidity.
- Call a certified water Damage Restoration Technician, Call us! 949-366-1930 x60 or 949-456-1098
We have the education, experience and equipment to take care of any water damage emergency. We can work directly with your insurance company and get you back to normal in a minimal amount of time.
Poor Indoor Air Quality:
Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution can also have significant
effects.
EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels.
These levels are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors.
Over the past several decades, our exposure to indoor air pollutants is believed to have increased due to a variety of factors, including the construction of more tightly sealed buildings, reduced ventilation rates to save energy, the use of synthetic building materials and furnishings, and the use of chemically formulated personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners.
In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by the EPA and its Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.
The EPA, in close cooperation with other federal agencies and the private sector, is actively involved in a concerted effort to better understand indoor air pollution and to reduce people's exposure in homes, offices, schools and other indoor environments where people live, work and play .
Comming soon ...
