Mold in the Home

Mold is a type of fungus. It has been on Planet Earth for several millennium. It is a very hardy organism, as evidenced by the fact of how long it has survived-and thrived. Mold is everywhere. It travels through the air as minute particles called spores that can only be seen under a microscope. It can survive on any organic surface. All it needs to grow is air and water. Mold literally consumes whatever it attaches itself to, cheese or bread for instance. It is an important part of our ecosystem, however, because it causes the decay of whatever it grows on. This is good because the rotting of a log, for example, will put nutrients back into the earth as it decomposes.

Mold can be introduced into the home in a myriad of ways: on pets and clothing, through open doors and windows, through air-conditioning ducts and on peoples’ bodies and hair, to name a few. Once mold has begun growing it will announce its presence in various ways. There will be mold that is visible, of course. Mold grows in a wide spectrum of colors, including brown, green, gray, black and wide.

Mold can be, at the least, a nuisance for human beings. In the worst case, it can cause death. Once mold enters a home, it naturally begins to flourish in places that are in the areas of the home most often left wet and humid, such as the shower and toilet. This type of mold is fairly easy to remove with some type of disinfecting cleanser. One good type of cleanser is chlorine bleach, because it disinfects the area, as well as just removing the unsightliness of the fungus. It is important to remove every trace of any mold or mildew found in the home because contact with some varieties can be harmful to humans’ health, and in some instances, even fatal.

Mold is one of the many allergens that cause an unlucky number of people to exhibit many different symptoms of allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny noses, itching, watery eyes, and painful, itching hives, just to cite a few examples. For asthma sufferers, mold can be especially dangerous, because the lungs can be a prime breeding area for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. There are more dangerous varieties of mold that emit toxins, which, if ingested (whether by inhalation, oral consumption, or entrance through a wound or injury) can kill someone. Exposure to these deadly organisms can ultimately cause various lung diseases, brain damage, and even death.

In order to protect the home and family, it is imperative to keep the air in the home dry, using conditioned air, dehumidifiers, and air filtering machines. Always clean any spills and wet areas within the home immediately. Use chlorine bleach in any areas that are safe to use bleach in. Keep the home well insulated to prevent the entrance of moisture from outside. Check inside and outside areas regularly for water damage or leaks. Upon find either of these, have it repaired as soon as possible.

In the event of a catastrophe such as a flood or fire, a professional emergency cleaning service should be used to clean any water damage. The cleaning service will have the proper equipment and capabilities to remove water, for instance, from carpet after a flood. This should be done within 48 hours after it is safe to re-enter the home to prevent the beginning of mold growth. Whenever there is water damage observed to the structural areas of the home, on the ceiling, perhaps, time is of the essence when examining the damaged area to see the degree of damage and whether or not decay has already begun.

Even for those living in very humid, sultry climates, such as the southern states of North America, where mold growth occurs extremely rapidly, it is still a fairly simple matter to keep a family safe and healthy and a home clean and free from mold. Regular cleaning with a disinfecting cleanser such as chlorine bleach will prevent mold growth in the most damp areas of the home. Routine examinations for signs of water damage or leaks will prevent any major problems from beginning. A bit of extra caution for people with asthma or allergies around wooded areas, freshly mowed grass, wood piles, and mulch will prevent any emergency health issues.

While it may be impossible to completely eradicate mold from the home, it is very simple to avoid the harmful and annoying effects it causes. Following the preceding tips and advice will prevent the likelihood of incurring unsightly damage and need for expensive repairs in the home and inconvenient, even deadly illnesses families.