There are many different types of molds, but they are all fungus and require moisture and organic material to grow and flourish. The EPA has confirmed that mold can lead to a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues and skin irritability. If you think you may have mold growing in your home, it’s important to act right away.
Finding out what kind of mold is growing in your home is the first step. There are not many people that can distinguish between mold and fungus. Mold is a type of fungus and grows where there is ample moisture. You will find that mold is usually a shade of green, black, or white. When looking at a fungus however, this can be described as an organism that resembles a plant. A fungus feeds on organic material.
Green mold is the more dangerous kind of mold. For those that want to know more, the scientific name for green mold is stachybotrys chartarum. You will most often find this type of mold in places that are moist or have been affected by water damage. These types of places are mainly attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Continue reading to find out more about green mold, why it is dangerous and what can be done in terms of mold removal.
Green Mold Explained
Green mold is a type of fungi that can be found both in and outside the home. The ideal conditions for this kind of mold to thrive are warm areas that see frequent moisture. This can include bathrooms, kitchens, the laundry room, basements or even on material that has been damaged by water. You can also find green mold growing on old food.
In terms of danger, green mold is not necessarily worse compared to other types of molds, but it can contribute to different health problems. This is especially true for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. It can also cause damage to any kind of material that it is growing on.
As an example, green mold on wooden beams or growing on a drywall can cause significant damage and will often lead to having to replace the material.
If you spot mold growth in your home or business, make sure to call on the professionals for a mold inspection. Once mold presence is confirmed, they can also take care of the mold removal process.
Processes Followed by Mold Remediation Professionals
1. Locating the Green Mold Source
It’s not just the first, but also the most important step that the professionals take. For effective mold remediation to take place, the source must first be located. Some of the most common places that mold is frequently found are leaky pipes, windows, roofs, damp crawl spaces, or moisture on air conditioning coils. If any of the areas of the property has been affected by water damage, this would also be a place where mold spores can thrive.
2. Isolating the Area
Isolation of the area is the next important step. This will prevent the mold spores from spreading further. The isolation process typically involves using plastic sheeting to seal off the room and making use of a HEPA filter. Safety is important when dealing with mold, therefore the professionals wear protective clothing like gloves, goggles and respirators when working in close proximity to mold.
3. Ventilation of the Property
To help the impacted area dry out, open windows to let fresh air circulate throughout the property. It helps with mold prevention when the locations are dried out quicker.
4. Make Use of Commercial Mold Removal Products
Commercial products are specifically manufactured with mold removal in mind. They contain chemicals proven to eradicate mold and mildew.
5. Get Rid of All Materials That May Have Been Contaminated by Mold
Any materials that could have been affected by the mold growth needs to be removed and replaced. This could include drywall, insulation, or carpeting material. The main reason is that even though mold removal can be done, this type of material is difficult to treat properly, and spores may remain. This can result in mold regrow over time.
For professional advice and effective mold removal, contact Simply Mold Gone. We specialize in mold remediation and can carry out a mold inspection at your property. The trained and experienced team at Simply Mold Gone will make sure that your mold problem is taken care of, fast and efficiently.
