How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Most often, when people consider air quality they think of the air that is outdoors. Pollen, rag weed, and even smog are a few allergens that may come to mind. However, indoor air quality is just as important. Since people spend most of their time indoors—whether at work or at home—the quality of the air they breathe is extremely important. Yet, the quality of indoor air may not be as good as most people might think it to be. This is especially true when it comes to air that has become contaminated by microscopic mold. Mold is one of the top contributors to poor indoor air quality around and it can diminish the health of a home or building’s occupants rather quickly if it goes unaddressed. Here are a few ways to improve indoor air quality. For more information on this topic, consult with a mold removal specialist near you for expert advice and tips.
What is Mold?
Mold is a fungus and a living organism that naturally appears in nature. While mold is typically found on decomposing animal or plant matter, it can also grow within indoor settings if the conditions are right. In fact, different species of mold can grow on different items within the natural environment as well as within indoor settings. Inside a home or building, mold can be found in a variety of areas including basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, behind walls, under carpets and in dry wall. Mold spores are hard to detect by the naked eye and they can quickly germinate within as little as 24-48 hours, making them dangerous to both humans and pets. Here are some of the optimal conditions under which mold germinates:
What is Mold?
Mold is a fungus and a living organism that naturally appears in nature. While mold is typically found on decomposing animal or plant matter, it can also grow within indoor settings if the conditions are right. In fact, different species of mold can grow on different items within the natural environment as well as within indoor settings. Inside a home or building, mold can be found in a variety of areas including basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, behind walls, under carpets and in dry wall. Mold spores are hard to detect by the naked eye and they can quickly germinate within as little as 24-48 hours, making them dangerous to both humans and pets. Here are some of the optimal conditions under which mold germinates:
- Moisture. The primary contributor to mold is moisture. Where there is a moist environment, there is an increased likelihood of mold. Mold produces spores that grow on damp objects. When there are unaddressed humidity or moisture areas in the home such as leaky plumbing or a broken water heater, mold will thrive.
- Temperature. While mold can grow in a wide range of temperatures, where the temperature does not dry out the moisture, mold can grow. This is why homeowners should ensure there is proper airflow throughout a home with temperatures that can dry out moisture instead of encourage it.
- An Optimal Material. Mold can grow on many materials, especially porous ones where it can root down and possibly come back even if it is wiped off of the surface. Such materials include wood, dry wall, wicker, and even paper.
Improving Air Quality
Mold can lead to many health problems, many having to do with breathing and respiratory tract concerns. For instance, those who suffer with asthma may experience increased instances of asthma attacks. Also, there may be allergic reactions due to decreased air quality in the home. Such reactions may include watery, itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing and even wheezing. To improve indoor air quality caused by mold, first address moisture problems within the home. This includes addressing areas of condensation such as with an older HVAC system, as well as leaks caused by leaking plumbing, leaky roofs, cracks in foundations, or even flooding in basements that was not properly cleaned.
Another way to improve air quality is to increase indoor ventilation. Poor ventilation will lead to moisture build up and eventually growth of mold. Open windows often to let in fresh air, and also utilize fans and central systems to push warm air throughout the home which can quickly help to dry areas of collecting moisture.
Another useful feature to use in a home is a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air. When air is moist, this becomes problematic for breathing because invisible mold spores can quickly attach to these beads of moisture resulting in many breathing problems. Furthermore, because mold spores are airborne and can travel, they can produce many different toxins which are bad for one’s health but are traveling in the air unbeknownst to the home’s occupants. Therefore, it is important to address a mold problem as quickly as possible. Traveling mold can quickly contaminate all of the indoor areas of a home if left untreated.
Keep in mind that mold can grow almost anywhere. New Jersey residents can take the necessary precautions by seeking out safe mold removal in Essex County. Indoor air quality can be quickly improved by contacting a team of esteemed remediation specialists who can address an existent mold problem. For the best outcome and for immediately improved air quality, find a company that specializes in mold removal near you.
Mold can lead to many health problems, many having to do with breathing and respiratory tract concerns. For instance, those who suffer with asthma may experience increased instances of asthma attacks. Also, there may be allergic reactions due to decreased air quality in the home. Such reactions may include watery, itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing and even wheezing. To improve indoor air quality caused by mold, first address moisture problems within the home. This includes addressing areas of condensation such as with an older HVAC system, as well as leaks caused by leaking plumbing, leaky roofs, cracks in foundations, or even flooding in basements that was not properly cleaned.
Another way to improve air quality is to increase indoor ventilation. Poor ventilation will lead to moisture build up and eventually growth of mold. Open windows often to let in fresh air, and also utilize fans and central systems to push warm air throughout the home which can quickly help to dry areas of collecting moisture.
Another useful feature to use in a home is a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air. When air is moist, this becomes problematic for breathing because invisible mold spores can quickly attach to these beads of moisture resulting in many breathing problems. Furthermore, because mold spores are airborne and can travel, they can produce many different toxins which are bad for one’s health but are traveling in the air unbeknownst to the home’s occupants. Therefore, it is important to address a mold problem as quickly as possible. Traveling mold can quickly contaminate all of the indoor areas of a home if left untreated.
Keep in mind that mold can grow almost anywhere. New Jersey residents can take the necessary precautions by seeking out safe mold removal in Essex County. Indoor air quality can be quickly improved by contacting a team of esteemed remediation specialists who can address an existent mold problem. For the best outcome and for immediately improved air quality, find a company that specializes in mold removal near you.