Although the family of fungi popularly known as mold perform an integral environmental job outdoors, they are rarely welcome inside buildings. The spores they generate exist nearly everywhere, waiting for optimal conditions for reproduction. When indoor conditions become favorable, populations explode, and can cover ceilings or walls with ugly, dark splotches within days. Basement mold removal not only improves appearances, but is also an important health measure.
Although people understand the importance of these organisms to the environment, most are also aware of the hazards of breathing their residue. The fungus is attracted to warm, dark spaces that are also an organic food source. When oxygen and moisture are both present at the right levels, the fungi begins to reproduce and grow rapidly within 48 hours or less, and will continue until the supply is exhausted.
While visible growth is no reason to panic, some varieties are actually considered toxic. Healthy individuals may notice mild congestion or other symptoms similar to a cold, but people with compromised immune systems, as well as the very young or old, can suffer much more serious consequences. Wheezing, irritated areas of skin, shortness of breath, and even fungal lung infections have been reported.
The symptoms usually do not ease until the colony is halted, a process that involves locating and removing all sources of moisture. Most buildings contain materials preferred by these organisms, including wood, fabric, wall paper, and even dust accumulations, but water is the catalyst. Moisture can be present in the air, or come from leaking pipes poor drainage.
Naturally high humidity and poor air circulation indoors both add to its effects. In some cases electrical dehumidifiers can be helpful, and some models perform additional tasks besides controlling or decreasing moisture. They filter out pollen, spores and other inorganic airborne pollution particles. While useful, they cannot solve an infestation on their own.
Finding and fixing small openings in ceilings or walls is crucial, especially in rooms lower than the ground surface. Basements containing water heaters or other appliances are the common sites of small but constant leaks that raise humidity levels to an ideal sixty percent. Improperly ventilated basement bathrooms with showers prevent standing water from evaporating. Until these issues are corrected, regrowth is guaranteed.
In mild cases, cleanup can be an achievable do-it-yourself project. Bleach or commercially sold formulas are helpful in removing most visual signs, but many experts stress that removing and replacing affected building materials is a better, longer-lasting solution. Basement infestations tend to spread upward, and colonies that are not completely disrupted will silently spread into other parts of the home.
If the problem becomes too much to handle alone, hiring a remediation team may be the best solution. Their thorough efforts stops growth immediately, but may need to be followed up with an inspection performed by a specialized basement contractor who can recommend long-term solutions proven effective locally. The presence of this fungus is not only a health hazard, but can also affect the value of a home at resale time.
Although people understand the importance of these organisms to the environment, most are also aware of the hazards of breathing their residue. The fungus is attracted to warm, dark spaces that are also an organic food source. When oxygen and moisture are both present at the right levels, the fungi begins to reproduce and grow rapidly within 48 hours or less, and will continue until the supply is exhausted.
While visible growth is no reason to panic, some varieties are actually considered toxic. Healthy individuals may notice mild congestion or other symptoms similar to a cold, but people with compromised immune systems, as well as the very young or old, can suffer much more serious consequences. Wheezing, irritated areas of skin, shortness of breath, and even fungal lung infections have been reported.
The symptoms usually do not ease until the colony is halted, a process that involves locating and removing all sources of moisture. Most buildings contain materials preferred by these organisms, including wood, fabric, wall paper, and even dust accumulations, but water is the catalyst. Moisture can be present in the air, or come from leaking pipes poor drainage.
Naturally high humidity and poor air circulation indoors both add to its effects. In some cases electrical dehumidifiers can be helpful, and some models perform additional tasks besides controlling or decreasing moisture. They filter out pollen, spores and other inorganic airborne pollution particles. While useful, they cannot solve an infestation on their own.
Finding and fixing small openings in ceilings or walls is crucial, especially in rooms lower than the ground surface. Basements containing water heaters or other appliances are the common sites of small but constant leaks that raise humidity levels to an ideal sixty percent. Improperly ventilated basement bathrooms with showers prevent standing water from evaporating. Until these issues are corrected, regrowth is guaranteed.
In mild cases, cleanup can be an achievable do-it-yourself project. Bleach or commercially sold formulas are helpful in removing most visual signs, but many experts stress that removing and replacing affected building materials is a better, longer-lasting solution. Basement infestations tend to spread upward, and colonies that are not completely disrupted will silently spread into other parts of the home.
If the problem becomes too much to handle alone, hiring a remediation team may be the best solution. Their thorough efforts stops growth immediately, but may need to be followed up with an inspection performed by a specialized basement contractor who can recommend long-term solutions proven effective locally. The presence of this fungus is not only a health hazard, but can also affect the value of a home at resale time.
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