Mold - A Hidden Houseguest

5/10/2017 (Permalink)

Mold spores are naked to the human eye.

Why Is Mold Harmful

• You cannot see mold spores with the naked human eye
• Disturbance of mold causes spore masses to aerosolize releasing spores into the air
• You cannot visually determine if materials are contaminated with settled spores.

Mold begins its life as a tiny spore and has over 20,000 species. The size of the spore is smaller than the size of a pinhead. These spores move, uninvited, into the dark, damp, places of your home and wait for the perfect conditions to go free. Once a disturbance causes the spores to aerosolize, the airflow carries the spores off, which remain airborne until gravity helps find them a place to settle.

Mold feeds on organic matter such as:

• Wood
• Paper
• Drywall
• Insulation
• Natural fibers
• Plants, potting soil
• Paints
• Starch in wallpaper paste
• Caulk

You can help prevent mold growth by having good ventilation, maintaining a dry environment and providing a lack of organic food sources for mold to thrive.

Common Moisture Problems Contributing to Mold Include

• Poor construction
• Roof leaks
• Basement leaks
• Plumbing leaks

If the mold problem in your home has become more than you can handle on your own, SERVPRO®of North Raleigh and Wake Forest is ready to assist you.

Containing mold spores is a primary task of mold remediation. Mold spores are invisible to the human eye. This is why having a professional trained in mold remediation is key to ensuring the mold is properly removed.  When cleaning moldy materials, it is imperative to avoid spreading the spores. A small area can quickly multiply to an entire home if remediation or removal of affected materials are done improperly.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If you see signs of mold, call us today – 919-790-1222.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/mold