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What should I do, I think that mold is making me sick?
The predominant health effects from mold are allergenic in nature and are limited to
the period of time that you are exposed to the fragments and chemicals that mold
produces. Most healthy adults have a very high tolerance to mold exposure, even when
exposed to large amounts of it. Some reports have been made that mold may cause or
exacerbate more serious health problems like asthma or hypersensitivities, however a
direct cause and effect to these issues is yet to have been established. Some individuals
who have preexisting conditions like asthma or are immune-system compromised like HIV
patients will be more likely to develop symptoms, illnesses, or complications when
exposed to mold. If you do think that mold is making you sick, the best thing that you
can do is to remove yourself from the environment where you know or think mold is
present. If your acute symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes, fatigue) subside or improve
when not in the affected area, it is likely that mold is the culprit. If you do not have a
visible mold problem, and you suspect that mold may be causing you problems you should
contact your physician or a Certified Industrial Hygienist in regards to your concerns.
How can you tell if you have a mold problem?
Mold can be present without the appearance of visible mold. It requires moisture to
survive, so it is often found in areas with water damage or excessive humidity. Musty
odors are an indication of a mold problem. If you think that you might have a hidden
mold problem, you can hire a professional for testing or sampling, and then move onto remediation once you are sure.
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by
breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors,
mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are
invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin
growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types
of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Is mold dangerous to humans?
Molds produce allergens, which can cause reactions in people who are allergic to mold
such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. For people who also have asthma,
molds can also cause asthma attacks. Some molds produce toxins. These are poisonous
substances that can cause health effects in humans.
How quickly does mold grow?
Mold requires several conditions to grow. It needs food, moisture, and the right
temperature. Once these are met, spores may germinate after 12 hours and can start to
grow within 24 to 48 hours. How quickly molds colonize depends on what kind of mold it
is, but it can occur after 1 to 12 days. This is why it is essential to act immediately in the
event of water damage in order to remove the risk of growth or spreading.
Is mold in my attic affecting my home?
Due to the general movement of air up and out of the home, mold in the attic is not likely
to affect the interior of the home. Mold growth in the attic is generally caused by
condensation on the roof decking unless an apparent leak is present. This is especially common when Boise temperatures fluctuate greatly during the spring and summers, so ventilation fans are recommended. Circumstances
around the mold growth should be corrected and the mold treated by removal.
How do I get rid of mold?
When removing mold, some mold spores will still be found floating through the air and in
house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth
can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is
mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you
remediate the mold infestation but don't fix the water problem, the mold problem may
return.
Is mold in my crawl space affecting my home?
Mold growth in the crawl space is less likely to affect the interior of the home that
mold growing inside the living area of your home. However, pressurization caused by
airflow into and out of the vents, or through the introduction of air via the HVAC
system could cause the transfer of mold into the home. The important thing in the crawl
space is to correct the issues causing mold to grow.
Should I have mold testing done in my home?
According to the EPA ("Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings") mold
sampling is not normally required. This is very different than what you hear from most
mold remediation companies. The fact of the matter is that if you can see it, you likely
do not need to test it. There are times when testing is a reasonably good option. For
example, if there is an odor present with no visible mold, it may be a good idea to have
testing done.
How can you prevent mold from spreading?
To take care of a mold problem, you must remove the mold and mold spores. You must
also fix the water problem. When removing mold, it is important to prevent spores from
spreading to unaffected areas. To do this, the technician will block vents, doors, and any
other openings through which spores could reach clean areas. Negative pressurization is
established in the sealed area. The technician creates low air pressure inside so that
spores cannot leave.
Need more information on our particular Mold Remediation services, and the techniques
we use for mold removal? Visit our Boise Mold Removal page
