The Dangers Of Mold: Why It Should Be Removed ASAP
Although many people are familiar with mold, very few individuals actually know what it is or why it is so dangerous.
What is Mold?
Mold is a broad non-scientific word used to describe various types of fungi – unappealing patches of green, yellow, brown, black, pink, smelly, fuzzy growths. There is a myriad of mold species found both outdoors and indoors. Mold is usually associated with musty odors, soggy drywall, damp basements, athlete’s foot, and water leaks, among others. Mold grows in colonies and begins forming on a damp surface after just 24 hours.
How Mold is Dangerous?
Indoor mold can especially be smelly and unsightly, but the potential health complications are more severe than that. In fact, actively-growing mold destroys any surface it comes in contact with, thereby compromising its structural integrity. What’s more, mold has been linked with some problematic health effects in humans, including infections and allergies. Mold growth in businesses, schools, and homes should be removed for the sake of structural integrity, human health, and quality of life.
This is how mold can affect your health:
Infection
Allergies and Asthma
Pulmonary hemorrhage
Toxic Mold Syndrome
Active mold needs moisture to grow. Be it behind drywall, visible surfaces, under carpets, in attics, indoor mold propagates in excessive water. Other elements found in these damp environments include:
- dust mites
- bacteria
- particulate matter, gasses, and airborne chemicals
- break-down products of molds and bacteria like glucans, proteins, and volatile organic compounds
As you can see, mold is not a term any property owner wants to hear considering how dangerous it can be to the health of inhabitants. Mold can be more than just an irritant; it’s potentially toxic and as such, needs to be removed by a mold remediation professional ASAP!
Removing mold from large spaces needs protection and expertise both for the inhabitants of the affected area and the removal specialists. If you want proper care and maintenance, leave this type of job to the pros.