Mold Remediation

Mold is a type of fungi that grows in multicellular structures called hyphae. These hyphae produce the mold spores that can thrive indoors and outdoors, in fact, mold is actually very common in buildings and homes, and can grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, pipes, or where there has been flooding. Though it is common, when mold grows in your home or business, it can be detrimental, causing property damage and health issues.

Mold spores are always found in the air we breathe, but extensive mold contamination may cause health problems. Exposure to mold can cause health effects in some people while breathing mold can also cause allergic and respiratory symptoms.

Some things you should be on the lookout for:

• Dark spots on your floors, walls, or ceilings
• Musty odors of mildew
• Respiratory and allergy issues
• High humidity levels resulting in condensation on glass or metal surfaces

The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.

Black Mold (Stachybotrys)
Commonly referred to as “black mold,” stachybotrys is one of the most dangerous types of mold and can cause flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, headaches, memory loss and severe respiratory damage. Because their lungs are still developing, children are at an even greater risk for health problems associated with exposure to black mold.

As its nickname suggests, black mold is dark in color, although it can also be grey or dark green. It typically has a very musty or mildew odor and is found in very damp areas of homes and other buildings.

Hiring a professional company in toxic black mold remediation, like Banner Environmental Services, will help ensure total and complete black mold removal.

Chaetomium
Chaetomium is most commonly found in homes that have water damage, as it thrives in wet, dark environments such as drywall, wallpaper, baseboards and carpets. This type of mold is similar to black mold and sometimes even shares the same environments.

Along with general signs of allergies such as red, watery eyes and trouble breathing, chaetomium spores can also cause neurological damage and certain autoimmune diseases.

Aspergillus
Although aspergillus spores are present in the air that many of us breathe every day, this type of mold can be dangerous to people with compromised immune systems. Exposure to aspergillus may cause allergic reactions, lung infections and a specific type of infection known as aspergillosis.

Penicillium
Like aspergillus, penicillium is abundant in many everyday environments, but if trapped inside your home, it can cause asthmatic symptoms, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

Fusarium
Fusarium is a type of mold that is most commonly found in plant debris and soil, although it can also be found in very damp areas of your home such as underneath carpeting, inside drywall or foam insulation and in humidifier pans and HVAC systems.

Although quite rare, a serious eye infection called fusarium keratitis can result from exposure to fusarium spores.

Alternaria
A well-known allergy-causing mold, alternaria is present in high amounts in many climate zones during the spring and summer. Although this type of mold is usually not found in building materials, it is can be present in the air inside your home and may also be found in electric cables, cardboard, canvas and other textiles

White Mold
White mold is not a specific type of mold – many species of mold may appear white. The species of white mold commonly found in homes are aspergillus, cladosporium, and penicillium. All these molds may also appear gray, green, black or other tints. Moreover, all molds thrive in moist areas where a food source like wood is present.

Mold is a naturally occurring fungus that grows on organic materials if there is a water source. From walls to cardboard boxes, many things inside our home will allow mold if they get wet. Even just a small amount of moisture can cause mold growth. Here are some of the more common causes of mold in a home.

• Persistent condensation
• Consistent humidity
• Leaky water pipes or plumbing
• Improperly cleaned up flooding or water
• Leaking roofs or windows
• Improper drainage of HVAC systems

Mold can affect any part of a home, though it is more common in some areas due to conditions or materials involved. Rooms with water pipes or appliances are more likely to have mold. Also, mold causes more damage to porous materials like wood and drywall than it does metal or glass.

• Basements and Crawl Spaces: Mold is often found in the basements and crawl spaces because of leaky water pipes and HVAC systems. Condensation, humidity and foundation problems also cause mold problems.
• Bathrooms: Bathroom mold is usually caused by poor ventilation. Humidity and condensation will cling to walls, tile and ceilings. Leaky water supply lines and drain pipes may also cause mold.
• Kitchens: Kitchens are more likely to develop mold because of the humidity and condensation from cooking. However, leaky pipes, dishwashers and refrigerators may also lead to problems.
• Walls: Most walls are porous and will hold in water, which leads to mold. Once it appears, it is difficult to remove without fixing the source of water or even replacing the wall. Signs of mold in the wall are dark stains and cracked or peeling paint.
• Attics, Roof And Ceiling: Mold is commonly found in attics and roofs as well as ceilings from leaks or other water intrusion spots, like faulty gutters, at the top of your home.

Mold does pose a health risk especially black mold.

In most cases, minor allergic reactions are the main mold health issues. However, people with respiratory issues like allergies and asthma may experience more severe symptoms.

While rare, people with immune deficiencies or chronic lung illnesses are at risk for lung infections. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both recommend removing mold quickly to limit these health risks.

Just as there are many types of mold, there are numerous removal methods. The best option for your situation will depend on what type of mold you’re encountering, the surface that it’s on and the extent to which it has spread.

The best way to ensure mold is removed properly is to call experts, like Banner Environmental, who have experience and the proper equipment.

Usually home insurance will cover the cost of mold remediation services when caused by a sudden and accidental event. The main exception is mold due to groundwater flooding, however, other types of mold damage may be excluded as well. Banner Environmental Services works with all insurance companies and we can even bill them directly.