Mold is a concerning household problem that can affect indoor air quality. If it's not taken care of immediately, it can spread through your home and cause serious health problems. If you suspect mold in your space, continue reading to learn about mold and air quality, and how you can detect and prevent its growth.
Mold is a type of fungus that is toxic to humans when found indoors. It thrives in humid, warm environments and spreads quickly, reproducing by releasing microscopic spores into the air. These spores then travel and settle in areas where new mold colonies form.
As air currents carry these microscopic organisms from room to room, the spread of mold through an entire home or building can happen much quicker than you might think.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it can grow anywhere with oxygen and moisture.
Since mold spores are microscopic, they can be easily spread through the air and infect an entire home, even though you can't see them. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), air conditioning systems can also aid in the spread of mold indoors.
As a result, anyone who inhabits the space will inhale them unknowingly. This can cause a variety of both short and long-term health problems.
Long-term exposure to mold can cause lung infections, including aspergillosis and pneumonia.
Mold can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are at greater risk than others. These include: Infants,Children, Elderly people
In general, anyone with a compromised immune system or existing respiratory condition has an even higher chance of being affected.
DIY air tests may help detect mold in the air, but these methods often produce inaccurate results and miss hidden mold growth. For accurate detection and treatment of any issues with mold growth, professional remediation services, like ours at FDP Mold Remediation, are recommended.
Avoid DIY attempts at mold removal, as doing it yourself could only worsen the situation. Professional mold remediation services from FDP Mold Remediation use advanced techniques and equipment to detect and eradicate all spores from the air completely, providing peace of mind to both homeowners and renters.
Signs that mold may exist in your home's air include:
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial that you contact a mold remediation service immediately.
Preventing mold growth in your home's air is key to maintaining good indoor air quality and avoiding health complications. Here are some tips on how to stop its development:
Mold thrives in humid environments, so keeping your home dry is a good way to prevent it. A dehumidifier can help you manage humidity in areas like basements and bathrooms where mold might grow quickly.
As soon as you detect leaks in your home, address them right away to stop moisture build-up and preserve the quality of air in your space.
In areas like bathrooms and kitchens where moisture levels may be elevated, exhaust fans can help remove moisture from the air and remove excess humidity.
Proper hygiene can help minimize mold growth by clearing away dust and debris that can provide food sources for mold growth.
Use a hygrometer to track humidity levels in your home. Ideal humidity levels should range between 30-50% to prevent mold growth.
Mold infestation is an all too familiar hazard in New York. According to the New York State Department of Health, mold growth is a danger in any area with moisture present, including bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. High humidity levels during summer months also contribute to mold contamination of indoor air quality.
The costs associated with mold remediation will depend on the size and scope of damage inflicted upon an area. To best assess costs associated with remediation, professional mold inspectors can take samples for testing as part of an assessment to identify the type of mold present and the extent of contamination.
Overall, mold remediation costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars; but their expense should be seen as worthwhile if protecting both your health and home is important to you.
If you suspect mold infestation in your home, acting quickly to stop its spread and subsequent health concerns is of the utmost importance. Contact FDP Mold Remediation of Baltimore immediately for professional mold services to ensure the air in your house remains safe for you and your loved ones.
