Asheville Toxic Mold Basics

6/11/2015 (Permalink)

Large amounts of mold can create pathogens that reduce indoor air quality.

Toxic Mold Basics

Many people are concerned about Asheville mold and the effects it can have on health. Large amounts of mold can create pathogens that reduce indoor air quality. However, a small amount of mold in the home is typically not harmful to one's health.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm places. However, the spores can thrive for a long time in a dry place. That is why the airborne spores will also need to be cleaned.

It is impossible to completely eliminate mold because it is found in nearly every building. If there has been a high concentration of mold for several weeks or months, then this can be dangerous to health. A small pipe leak, flooding, damp floors and ceilings can facilitate Asheville mold growth.

All types of mold can be toxic if they grow in a very high concentration. In fact, some types of mold create toxins that can be damaging to one's health. Aspergillis and black mold are two of the most common types of toxic mold.

Where Does Mold Grow?

Asheville mold can grow in any place that is poorly-ventilated and damp. Basements, kitchens, bathrooms and leaks around air conditioners, water heaters, windows and roofs are examples of areas where mold often grows. It can also grow in wood, carpet, ceiling tiles, upholstery and drywall. Mold spores can cling to pets and clothing. Heating and air conditioning systems can also circulate the spores throughout the building.

How Does One Get Rid Of Mold?

You can prevent mold from accumulating in your home by keeping it well-ventilated and dry. If you have a plumbing leak, then you will need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Contact a professional mold remediation if you notice a dusty odor or dust spores.

Care has to be taken when removing mold from a hard surface because spores can be released into the air. In many cases, porous surfaces that have mold will require replacement. This includes things like ceiling tiles, wallpaper, carpet and drywall. A complete renovation may recommended if the mold infestation is inside of the structure of the building.

Asheville mold remediation can be expensive, but the cost is worth it. You can make a mold problem worse by attempting to clean it. It is best to call a professional so that you can ensure the mold is removed in the proper way.

Understanding Mold

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Here are the facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.