Brief Guide to Mold – Controlling Mold

Mold Basics

Mold is a part of the natural environment. It plays a major role in the breaking down dead organic matter like fallen leaves or dead trees. Its only when mold is growing indoors that it becomes a serious issue for you and your family. All molds reproduce by tiny spores, invisible to your eye. These spores float through the air, and attempt to find wet surfaces to propagate on. There are several distinct types of mold, and none will grow without a source of moisture.

Health Problems and Mold

Mold isn’t a problem indoors until it begins growing. This growth will allow the production of allergens, which cause allergic reactions in many people, as well as harmful irritants and toxic substances. Inhaling or touching these mold growths may cause allergic reactions including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and rashes on the skin. These reactions are common, but can be immediate or delayed. Mold can cause an attack in individuals with asthma, and can even harm non-allergic occupants by irritating the eyes, skin, throat, nose, and lungs. Research on the effects of exposure to mold is ongoing, and all effects are not described. For more detailed information, consult your healthcare professional or state and local health department.

Mold Removal and Remediation

You will never remove all the mold spores from your structure. Many spores are found floating through the air or in household dusts, but will not propagate into a growth unless they can find a source of moisture. You can control these growths if you control the moisture level of your indoor environment. If you do find a growth, you must clean up the mold and fix any water issues. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the moisture issues, the growth will quickly return. If you find a growth of mold, it is dangerous to try to clean it up by yourself. Call DryPatrol today!