What is Mold?
Mold is a common fungus that is found everywhere in the environment. As a natural decomposer, mold particles break down dead plant and animal matter which is a naturally occurring process. While this mostly takes places outdoors, sometimes mold can make its way inside. This is because microscopic mold spores travel by air and can easily attach to shoes, clothing, and even pets. Mold thrives in places where it can find moisture and warmth. Homes with moist, humid conditions can quickly become breeding grounds for mold growth if the source of these problems goes unaddressed. For New Jersey residents with indoor mold problems, contact remediation specialists for expert mold removal in Essex County. Here are some useful insights into understanding indoor mold.
When Mold Grows Indoors
Mold that grows indoors can attach to a number of different materials including wood, dry wall, and insulation. Mold can even grow on flooring underneath carpets if it was water soaked and were not dried properly. What’s more is that there are different types of mold that can grow indoors.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to differentiate between hazardous toxic molds and insignificant varieties. To better determine the relative health risks of mold it is important to understand the different types that may appear within the home. Here are a few helpful details that can help to spot dangerous molds:
Therefore, it is very important to rely on the knowledge and expertise of a remediation team to assess the extent of the mold problem and to identify the exact type that is present within the home.
When Mold Grows Indoors
Mold that grows indoors can attach to a number of different materials including wood, dry wall, and insulation. Mold can even grow on flooring underneath carpets if it was water soaked and were not dried properly. What’s more is that there are different types of mold that can grow indoors.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to differentiate between hazardous toxic molds and insignificant varieties. To better determine the relative health risks of mold it is important to understand the different types that may appear within the home. Here are a few helpful details that can help to spot dangerous molds:
- Black “Toxic” Mold – (also known as stachybotrys). Black mold is the most toxic type of mold to appear in a home. Black mold which can appear as a black or other dark color grows on highly porous materials such as wood, cardboard, and wicker. Black mold grows in highly humid areas and can cause many symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue, nose bleeds and chest pains. Black mold is highly toxic and can cause major health concerns.
- Aspergillus – Aspergillus molds come in many different species, nearly 200 with 22 that researchers know result in human illnesses. These molds may be green to dark green in color. This type of mold produces toxic allergens that can cause respiratory illnesses as well as ear and eye infections. There are four types of aspergillus species that are highly carcinogenic and can quickly diminish indoor air quality.
- Other Molds – Other types of molds include Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium. These molds can also have many negative health implications including nail fungus, liver, gastrointestinal illnesses, and even emphysema.
Therefore, it is very important to rely on the knowledge and expertise of a remediation team to assess the extent of the mold problem and to identify the exact type that is present within the home.
Health Implications
Never ignore mold growth within a home! Sometimes homeowners may ignore small growths or may put off addressing the issue if the mold appears in infrequently used areas such as dark basements or attics. However, keep in mind that mold spores travel so it is very likely that the other areas of the home are already contaminated even if the homeowner does not notice any visible signs of mold within these areas.
There are many dangers of mold, most commonly upper respiratory infections, persistent coughing, sore throats, as well as skin and eye irritations, just to name a few. Mold can even increase asthma attacks and is especially harmful for those with sensitive immune systems such as young children or elderly family members. If mold is present, take proactive measures to protect family members and pets before they become sick from contamination.
Seek the Help of Remediation Specialists
While there are many websites that discuss how to remove mold at home it is important to contact a remediation specialist prior to attempting to remove the mold independently. An expert will be experienced in the process of safely cleaning mold in homes or commercial locations and will be able to identify the type of mold that is present. However, they will recommend that an important first step towards remediation is identifying the source of moisture or water in the home. Typical moisture problems are due to leaky plumbing, leaky roof, or underground water problems in basements. If this source is not addressed then it is likely that mold will grow back and persist. Safely and effectively deal with mold by consulting with the professionals.
There is no home that is immune to mold growth. Whether a dangerous variety or not at all dangerous, there is no way to surely know the type of mold that is present without seeking professional intervention. The good news is that there are many safe mold solution companies available. To find mold removal near you contact a team of highly esteemed professionals in New Jersey who can come visit the home and assist the homeowner safely remove the mold problem for good.
Never ignore mold growth within a home! Sometimes homeowners may ignore small growths or may put off addressing the issue if the mold appears in infrequently used areas such as dark basements or attics. However, keep in mind that mold spores travel so it is very likely that the other areas of the home are already contaminated even if the homeowner does not notice any visible signs of mold within these areas.
There are many dangers of mold, most commonly upper respiratory infections, persistent coughing, sore throats, as well as skin and eye irritations, just to name a few. Mold can even increase asthma attacks and is especially harmful for those with sensitive immune systems such as young children or elderly family members. If mold is present, take proactive measures to protect family members and pets before they become sick from contamination.
Seek the Help of Remediation Specialists
While there are many websites that discuss how to remove mold at home it is important to contact a remediation specialist prior to attempting to remove the mold independently. An expert will be experienced in the process of safely cleaning mold in homes or commercial locations and will be able to identify the type of mold that is present. However, they will recommend that an important first step towards remediation is identifying the source of moisture or water in the home. Typical moisture problems are due to leaky plumbing, leaky roof, or underground water problems in basements. If this source is not addressed then it is likely that mold will grow back and persist. Safely and effectively deal with mold by consulting with the professionals.
There is no home that is immune to mold growth. Whether a dangerous variety or not at all dangerous, there is no way to surely know the type of mold that is present without seeking professional intervention. The good news is that there are many safe mold solution companies available. To find mold removal near you contact a team of highly esteemed professionals in New Jersey who can come visit the home and assist the homeowner safely remove the mold problem for good.