Water Damage Restoration

Mold

Q: How long do I have before mold can grow?
A: In some cases, if areas are completely dried within 24 hours mold will not grow. However, if not properly dried, contaminated area provides the ideal environment for mold to grow and reproduce. Please also remember that you cannot tell if the area is dry without the proper equipment.

Q: What are some mold problems I should be concerned about?  
Where, in my house, should I look for mold? 
A: Molds, mildew, fungi, and dust mites are the main biological pollutants inside a home. Mold is generated in the home and releases spores into the air. Mold, fungi, and bacteria are often found in areas that have high humidity levels; such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. Mold spores are problematic when they become airborne by vacuuming, making beds, or when other textiles are disturbed. It grows on organic material such as paper, textiles, grease, wood, and sheet-rock. When the colonies and spores are disturbed, they become airborne. Mold spores float throughout the house, and when they land on a suitable material, they begin to form new colonies. One of the most common means of transportation is an HVAC system. An HVAC system can distribute spores throughout an entire house.

Q: What are some of the health effects of mold? 
A: Allergic reactions are the most common health problems associated with biological pollutants. Symptoms range from mild; watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, and difficulty breathing, to more severe; asthma attacks, migraines, and in some rare cases certain molds have been blamed for brain damage and infant death.

Q: I have noticed some mold on my wall, in my laundry room.  I've been hearing a lot about mold lately.  Can I clean this up myself? Why can’t I just use bleach to kill mold?
A: Chlorine bleach is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area with bleach, and a background level of mold spores will still remain. These spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. When cleaning up mold there are numerous precautions and procedures that must be taken.  The area that needs to be cleaned needs to be evacuated.  On occasion, if a small amount of mold is seen, it is usually a sign that there is a larger mold infestation inside the wall or floor.  Some precautions include wearing a full or half-face respirator to prevent inhalation of airborne spores.  Protective clothing (disposable) must be worn, including rubber gloves.  The area must be contained.  Continuous negative air pressure is used inside the containment area to minimize cross containment.  HEPA filters must be used in the vacuum, with the bag and all moldy items to be discarded.  It's not enough to kill mold, it has to be physically removed.  Dead mold is still allergenic.

If you have any questions or would like assistance, call A#1 Emergency Service, The Mold Remediation Experts, at 1-800-792-5333.