How do molds affect people?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors unless mold spores land on a damp area and begin to grow. Molds have the potential to be harmful to one’s health. Molds produce allergens and irritants (substances that can cause allergic reactions). In sensitive people, inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions. Hay fever-like symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash, are examples of allergic reactions.

Mold allergies are fairly common. They can be both immediate and delayed. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic to mold. Furthermore, mold exposure can irritate both mold-allergic and non-allergic people’s eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Other than allergic and irritant symptoms, inhaling mold is rarely associated with other types of symptoms. Mold and its effects on health are still being studied.

What are some things I should know about mold?

• Allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints are some of the potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure.
• There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; controlling moisture is the only way to control indoor mold growth.
• If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean it up and eliminate moisture sources.
• To prevent mold growth, repair the source of the water problem or leak.
• To prevent mold growth, clean and dry any damp building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours.
• Mold can be removed from hard surfaces using water and detergent, and then completely dried.
• Moldy absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles, may need to be replaced.

• Reduce the possibility of condensation on cold surfaces (e.g., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
• Installing carpet in areas where there is a constant moisture problem is not a good idea (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
• Molds can be found almost anywhere, and they can grow on almost any substance if moisture is present. Molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and even food.

What are the safety precautions for mold removal?

If you must remove mold concentrations or perform black mold removal on a larger scale than a few square feet, we recommend the following precautions:

• Wear old clothes and shoes that you can wash or throw away after you finish cleaning.
• Wear N-95 or P-100 respirators, as well as goggles and gloves.
• To ventilate the room while working, place an old box fan or a cheap new one in a window. When you’re finished cleaning, throw it away because the spores are nearly impossible to remove. Tape plywood or cardboard around the window openings to keep spores out.
• Moldy carpeting should be wrapped and taped in 6-mm plastic, and mold-infested debris should be double-bagged in garbage bags for disposal.
• Moisten moldy areas with a garden sprayer while you work to control airborne spores.
• Turn off your furnace and air conditioner, and cover ducts and doors to keep spores at bay.
• When you vacuum, keep your wet/dry vacuum outside.

How much does a mold inspection and removal cost?

While a mold inspection can be costly, it should be a top priority when purchasing a home. By detecting mold growth early on, you can prevent further damage to the property. Mold remediation services can range in price from $500 to $5,000. Prices in some cases can easily exceed $10,000 in a severe case.

But, more importantly, by hiring a professional mold inspector, you can rest assured that you and your family are safe from airborne mold toxins, which are an unseen but potentially dangerous threat.