Elizabeth City/Outer Banks Mold Facts

4/18/2016 (Permalink)

The Truth about Mold

Ordinary Mold

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Fungi produce some very useful results. Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, baked goods and other food products, including some alcoholic beverages. The unique flavor of blue cheese is a result of mold. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi and lifesaving penicillin is a product of mold (Penicillin chrysogenum). 
Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people.

Unhealthy Mold

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing, or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amounts of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.

Take Precautions

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks handles water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold. 
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.  
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.  
• Excessive humidity.

Health Concerns

Health concerns may rise when excessive mold grows indoors. Concerns are more likely to arise for “at risk” people, which may include immune suppressed or compromised individuals, young children and individuals with chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and sever allergies. However, anyone may experience health problems associated with exposure to mold in damp buildings. Possible health effects include: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aggravation of asthma, sore throat or inflammation of the sinuses. People most at risk include: infants and children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with compromised respiratory systems or asthma and allergies, and people with weakened immune systems.

Help is Here

If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks today. Our team trained in mold remediation will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold. In the event mold is found, you will be asked to approve and sign a work authorization form prior to any mold cleanup or related work being performed. The technician may also recommend you leave the affected area while the mold cleanup and associated containment process in being safely completed.