Molds still endangers one’s health even if, for the last few years no warnings or concerns of mold related problems have occurred.
There are 10,000 different types of mold. According to the EPA or the Environmental Protection Agency, these types of molds can produce thousands of various micotoxins and spores and releasing it into the air. These toxins endanger anyone living in the environment. Penicillum, cladsporium and mucor are the three types of mold which can be easily cleaned by using usual cleaning solutions.
Stachybotrys and Memmoniella are two types of mold that dangerously affects people’s health. These molds also known as “toxic mold” appears to be black and slimy and can survive where materials such as paper,wood or cotton products that have absorbed water. It is said that the Stachybotrys growth in some level are present as much as half of all homes. Black molds are dangerous and poses a great threat when touched or inhaled. That is why when a black mold is found at home, it is best to test it for its toxicity.
The following are the various allergic symptoms that are related to mold:
- Eyes have a burning sensation and appear to be red and watery
- Dry and sore throat and hacking cough
- Hard time in breathing and shortness of breath
- Irritation to the nose and throat
- Blockage in the nasal and sinus
- Panting or other respiratory problems
- Skin irritation
- Aches and pains
- Problems in the central nervous system that may include headaches, memory issues and mood swings
If some or all of these symptoms are met it is a decisive confirmation that a mold problem does is present. It is better to check it thoroughly in order to verify it.
Before hiring a professional to remove the mold, it’s still a practical choice to do the cleaning and removal of the mold first-hand. Hiring an expert is costly and time consuming and may only give indefinite answers.
Molds can survive in areas where there is humidity of 60% or higher. Usual areas were molds can grow are the laundry room, kitchen, restrooms, and basements. But other spaces that are not cleaned properly such as unseen water leaks or spills are also probable areas were molds can survive.
When growth of mold at home has been identified, preventive measure should be done in order to reduce or irradiate the further growth and spreading of these molds should be prevented. Since mold survive in damp and unventilated areas, closets, under sinks and other areas where limited ventilation and exposure to sunlight should be aggressively cleaned. To prevent mold from settling in, rough surfaces on these areas should be soaped, water and scrubbed thoroughly. Use cloth for smoother surfaces. Bleach is an effective cleaning solvent but is capable of injuring people so use bleach carefully. If molds are apparent it is best to wear safety gears like masks, gloves or opt for stronger cleaning solutions if concerned for probable allergies from the mold.
Household mold problems are not usually severe and can be handled without a professional. But when the mold is thick and when it reached up to 10 square feet of coverage, there is an apparent problem inside the wall and a professional must be consulted.
After cleaning and removing mold in an area it is best to have the infested materials removed and replaced. These areas may still have toxic residue left in the dead mold spores. Replacing the wall may be expensive but is the best way to make sure that the toxic effects of mold are prevented.
Mold infestation is a severe problem but with planning beforehand and doing a bit of work can prevent it from occurring.