It’s common knowledge that the molds that grow inside your home or workplace can cause various types of health problems. Those with asthma or other respiratory problems notice the affects of mold even sooner. Some have a lot of questions about mold and its actual effects in our work and living environments. America Hometown Services will go deeper into mold; what it is, where it is commonly found in the home or workplace, and how it can affect those health problems.
What is Mold Fungus?
Mold is a living organism that is neither plant nor animal. Mold belongs to the group of fungus which thrives in certain living environments. There is some mold that is used to improve human health by creating product such as penicillin. This antibiotic is crucial for clearing away infections. However most molds that are found in your home or even workplace are considered harmful and should be treated. Mold can be found in your food, walls, fabric and even wood features throughout your home or business.
How Does Mold Grow in a House?
Mold has its own reproductive system which releases cells–or more commonly known as spores–into the air. Like dust or pollen, these spores are carried everywhere and are encountered frequently. These spores attach themselves to clothing, hair, and even the skin of people that is passing by. In small quantities these spores aren’t overly harmful. However once these spores attach themselves to you, or anything that enters your home, the recipe for mold to develop begins. It is impossible to keep all mold spores out of your home. Even so, you can prevent mold from becoming a problem in your home or work place.
What Does Mold Need to Grow & Thrive
Mold requires the right environment to thrive. The majority of mold requires moisture, heat or warmth, and a food source. With very few exceptions, moisture, warmth and a food source along with the spores is the perfect recipe for mold to develop and grow inside human structures. Climate and environmental condition plays a major role. Humidity provides both moisture and warmth typically in areas in a home or workplace where there is a lot of humidity present. Some of the common places for mold to grow are in our bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, water heaters and near HVAC vents. Mold loves to dig deep into porous materials such as upholstery, linens, carpets, wood, and drywall which, as you can see, can be almost anything inside your home.
How to Get Rid of Mold
Depending on where the mold develops will determine on how you will want to treat it. There are various products designed for treating mold on different surfaces. However it can quickly become a pain to find all the proper mold treatments for the different types of materials exposed. Bleach works wonders in many areas. However, not all, so be careful. If your home or workplace has been exposed to excessive amounts of mold you will need the help of a specialist. Mold can be hazardous to clean, so certain health and safety precautions are necessary. To disinfect all surfaces exposed to mold it also helps to have a professional clean all the different areas that contain mold.
Mold Removal & Remediation in Quincy, Macomb, Hamilton, Warsaw, Marcelline, Fall Creek & East Alton Illinois | Hannibal, Missouri
If you need help cleaning or disinfecting your home from mold, contact American Hometown Services. We provide many services and properly treat homes infected with mold either caused by flooding or constant water exposure. Contact American Hometown Services today!