Molds are fungi which can be found anywhere. There are many different types of molds, and some are more problematic than others.
Mold is all around us. It’s part of our environment. But it thrives on damp conditions and can easily cause significant property damage over time. You can reduce the amount of mold in your home by:
- Using a dehumidifier
- Preventing condensation
- Fixing leaks, including plumbing leaks
- Addressing signs of water damage promptly
When Does Mold Become a Problem?
Mold spores are present in nearly every room. Even if you aren’t experiencing a mold situation right now, you likely have mold spores all around you. Mold spores are generally harmless, though. However, an increased presence of spores can cause reduced air quality in a home. The average mold spore count in a room is generally 200-700 mold spores.
So, when does mold become a problem? It becomes an issue once the environment allows for mold colonies to begin growing.
This may be due to multiple changes -- mold colonies require moisture and humidity to growth. That’s why mold is most often found in humid areas, such as the basement, kitchen, or bathroom.
Health Risks of Mold
While some may think mold remediation in Tampa isn’t necessary, mold does have health risks associated with it. Mold colonies can begin sprouting up in as little as 24-72 hours.
These colonies continuously emit mold spores into the air, causing reduced air quality in affected rooms. When those spores settle and grow, health problems manifest. Possible health risks associated with mold spores include:
- Wheezing
- Asthma
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Eye irritation
- Skin irritation
Individuals with mold allergies or a large mold colony may have more severe symptoms.
Can I Remove Mold Myself?
You may be able to handle very small patches of mold yourself. However, we do not recommend handling any mold problems alone, even if levels of mold are low. There are simply too many possible health risks involved. And mold issues can signal a deeper water damage problem which should be investigated.
Finding mold is alarming, but this is not a DIY job! For effective and safe Tampa mold removal services, contact UWRG any time.
Signs of Mold Damage
Unsure if your home has a mold problem? Here are some signs of mold damage to look out for.
- Musty odors around the home
- Cracked or bubbling wallpaper or paint
- Damp wall patches
- Fuzzy or visible discolored patches (e.g. green, yellow, white, blue, or black)
If these signs are present near humid rooms, such as bathrooms, this is a strong indicator of mold. However, mold can grow anywhere. Here are some organic materials molds can grow on and destroy:
- Drywall
- Wood
- Carpet
- Leather
Cotton
Paper products
Ceiling tiles
Insulation
After seeing a colony, you may need mold remediation in Tampa to return to a state of normalcy. This could be the only way to make your home safe and comfortable again.