Liability Concerns: Toxic molds may even evolve to a point where it is regarded with the same cautions, response and liability concerns as those attributed to lead-base paint and asbestos. Health hazards and risks associated with concern to exposure to these types of mold are currently considered as short-term effects as opposed to exposure to radon gas in houses, which is considered a long-term health risk. The Stachybotrys fungi cannot be identified by a routine visual inspection. All black molds are not necessarily Stachybotrys. It could be non-toxic black mold. The only method to determine the type of mold present is by sample analysis by an accredited laboratory. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the mold is only a toxic risk or hazard if a person breathes or comes into contact with the spores. Wet mold is not an indoor air quality health risk, but there is a significant potential for the mold to dry and released into the air. Be wary of continuous health problems you might be having and try to clean up mold in your home. If you cannot find the cause of these problems, chances are they are not really that visible to the eyes. Toxic molds can be as risky to your health as any other environmental factors. Here are 7 ways to detect if your home has dangerous molds: 1) Launch a search operation: Check whether there is a visible signs of mold growth in your home. Molds are characterized by its cotton-like features that may appear in colors such as gray, white, black, or green. Black mold (A Definitive Guide to Black Mold) can be especially dangerous so be sure to watch for any signs of this type of growth. They also bear a resemblance to furry materials that give the impression of stains or yellowing stuff. Usually they can be found from the outside of construction materials or home furniture. 2) Use your sense of smell: Whenever you smell some mold odors, begin your search immediately. But you also have to remember that even if your home has no moldy smell it doesn’t mean that you’re already free from its threat. Be sharp-eyed because some fragrance-free molds are still poisonous. Most of these species types grow in canals and in-between panels or dividing walls. 3) Is basement flooding one of your indoor problems? : If yes, then there is a large probability that your house is filled with some dangerous molds. Rummage around for some indications of extra mustiness or water damage. Also check if there are water discolorations on walls and ceilings. Remember excess amount of moisture is the major culprit for mold exposure. 4) Windows mist over during winter: Winter season is characterized by coldness and generally when it’s cold, there is an excess in moisture. This excess amount of humidity in the environment can cause fungal growth which culminates the most in damp areas. If this so happen, it is best to take precautionary measures to identify if there is really the presence of mold in the area. A house that is contaminated with fungi is more susceptible to further health issues. 5) Use home mold test kits: Mold testing is seldom used to find out any dangerous threats of molds. These do-it-yourself test kits are designed to track down the presence of harmful molds that can trigger serious health problems.Most of these testing devices are user-friendly and can provide reliable results in that instant. However, most health experts do not recommend testing for mold.They believe it is more reliable and practical to have visual inspections of molds in your homes. 6) Molds that are hidden: Most experts agree that the most perilous mold is the one that is unseen. This type of molds can swell up frenziedly for we have no idea where they are. But in most cases, hidden molds can be discerned not by the naked eye but by its stale odor or by frequent clearing of the throat. 7) Ask a Certified Mold Inspector: In instances wherein you cannot really detect of there are molds inside your house, you can ask the assistance of licensed mold inspectors. They have the proper know-how in pinpointing the exact location of undetected mold problems. All in all, the key to total prevention of the threats caused by mold problems is utmost awareness of the problem. Be vigilant with your surroundings for any sign of mold growth. Early prevention is the best solution to all the hazards set off by this microorganism. Lucky for you at ServPro we have certified mold inspectors! 8 Most Common Places for Mold Growth: 1) Basements or cellars that have been flooded 2) Underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks 3) Underneath or behind refrigerators 4) Behind walls that also house plumbing 5) Stacks of damp or wet newspaper or cardboard boxes 6) Around air-conditioning units 7) Wallboard or around windows that leak 8 ) Under carpeting that may have become wet Mold Growth: Moisture & Cellulose: -Mold growth is of course not limited to these 8 places, however there is a common principle that links all of these common mold environments together: moisture and cellulose – not to be confused with cellulite. Along with moisture, anywhere there is cellulose, there could be mold growth
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 15:35:00 +0000