Mold is a microorganism that’s part of the fungi family, and there are many types of mold that can be found in your environment. Mold spores are invisible to the eye; while it can be beneficial in the outdoors, it can be hazardous once it enters your home. It often looks stringy or slimy, but some molds have a powdery consistency. Mold can grow very quickly -; colonies can form in as little as 48 hours after a single spore makes contact with a surface.
Mold’s Health Risks
Exposure to mold can cause serious health problems. It can easily become airborne, creating respiratory issues such as infection, allergies, asthma and sinus infections. In rare cases, exposure to mold can be fatal.
How Mold Grows
As with any living thing, mold needs certain things to develop and thrive. Mold spores, moisture, the right temperature and carbon atoms all work together to create the ideal environment for mold to grow. Mold spores can attach to anything, especially damp or porous surfaces, and feed on the carbon atoms released by almost all other living things.
Preventing the Growth of Mold
Even a spotless home can experience mold growth, and there are certain areas in the home that offer a perfect environment. Utility and laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms and kitchens are breeding grounds for mold; you can take certain steps to reduce growth, but you will need professional help to eliminate it entirely.
Mold Testing
There are commercially available mold testing kits, but these should only be used as a preliminary step. Some kits collect mold and grow it in an incubator, with samples being sent in for testing. Home mold tests can be inaccurate because they do not indicate the level of danger presented, nor do they indicate the severity of mold growth.
A professional mold remediation company hires workers that are trained to identify and remove mold. Workers trained in Mold Removal in Lakewood CO use industrial cleaners and equipment to remove mold infestations from the home. During an inspection, the technician will examine your home and test the indoor air with a device called a “sniffer”. Depending on the result, your technician may recommend lab testing. Your mold re mediator understands the risks of exposure, and can provide emergency services. After the mold is removed, the infected area will be treated to prevent further problems.
