When it comes to health threats, most of us think of natural forces outside of our homes and businesses. Tornadoes, thunderstorms, and the like can all cause damage. However, there may be a silent threat lurking in your home or office – mold. Its presence should definitely be cause for concern, and mold removal should be handled by professionals.
How Does Mold Get into a Home or Business?
To be clear, mold is everywhere, all the time. Spores are in the air you breathe. They’re on your kitchen counter, or your desk at work. In most instances, there is nothing to be done about this, nor should you worry about exposure. It is not until mold begins to spread and becomes concentrated in a particular area that it becomes a threat. However, mold requires very specific conditions in order to thrive and grow.
In most cases, the mold spores on your desk or counter will do nothing – they will be removed through regular cleaning. If the environment were conducive, though, they could germinate and grow, leaving you in need of mold removal. The environment ideal for mold growth is warm and wet, such as what’s left after flood waters recede, or in a building where water leaks from piping for a period of time without being stopped.
Why Is Mold Dangerous?
Mold in your home can be very alarming, but it is not necessarily a life-threatening situation. Most mold is actually harmless to the majority of people. Of course, some people are sensitive to many mold types and will experience symptoms with even brief exposure. However, black mold can be incredibly dangerous even if you are not sensitive. Like other molds, black mold consumes organic matter in your home or office. As it grows and spreads, it reproduces – it creates spores that are released into the air. Here, they enter your nose and throat, potentially causing symptoms including:
- Chronic coughing
- Chronic sneezing
- Eye irritation
- Persistent headache
Prolonged exposure to black mold can cause serious allergic effects, including bleeding in the lungs and vomiting.
If you have noticed or even suspect mold growth in your home or business, it is vital to work with the professionals at Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration for mold removal. Our experts can investigate your building, advise on the best path forward, and provide mold remediation services. You can also connect them on Facebook for more updates.
