Mold is always unsightly, but it can also be dangerous to your health, and in some cases, life-threatening. The people most at risk are those with compromised immune systems, asthma, CPOD or those who have allergies. There are different types of mold in addition to that which grows on the forgotten cheese in the back of the refrigerator.
Common types found in homes include Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as “black” mold. Mold grows in damp areas such as bathrooms and basements. Any area of the home is a hospitable environment for mold growth in the aftermath of a natural disaster such as a flood. After such an event it is is common for a home’s HVAC system to develop mold, which then serves as a vehicle to spread mold spores throughout the house via the forced heating and air ducts.
You should suspect mold’s presence in your HVAC system if you’ve recently experienced a water event, such as a flood or appliance overflow, and someone in your home is experiencing symptoms. Signs of irritation include fatigue, coughing, wheezing, rashes, sneezing, shortness of breath, nausea, recurrent headaches and irritation of mucous membranes. In general, the longer people sensitive to mold are exposed to mold spores, the more aggravated their symptoms become.
Employees with specialized training in mold remediation will test your air quality, inspect likely areas for the presence of mold and determine if any mold is present. If mold is detected, a professional remediation company is able to eradicate it and to ensure it does not come back.
Eradication techniques used by remediation experts, such as dry-ice cleaning, are not available to the average homeowner. Dry-ice cleaning works by spraying the mold with small pellets of dry ice, cleaning the surface instantly. Once the mold has been removed, it can be discouraged from returning with the use of dehumidifiers and fans that keep the air dry and moving in the areas where mold is likely to form. Make your home a healthier and happier one by having a mold inspection in Salinas today.
