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Mold Contamination, Moisture and Your Home or Office

By
Home Inspector with INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST HI-80 & MRSA1895
Mold Basics 
  • The key to mold control is moisture control.
  • If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
  • It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees.  But indoors, mold growth should be avoided.  Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
 
Can mold cause health problems?
 
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.  Molds have the potential to cause health problems.  Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).  Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).  Allergic reactions to mold are common.  They can be immediate or delayed.  Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.  In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.  Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.  Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.  This article provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure.  For more detailed information, consult a health professional.  You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.
 
Any question regarding Mold Inspections, Mold Assessments Indoor Air Quality Testing (IAQ) and or PRVs or to schedule an appointment call 850-814-3889 or visit us: www.INDOORMICROBIALSPECIALIST.com or www.HOMEINSPECTORUSA.biz
MOLD INSPECTIONS & MOLD TESTING. Two offices to serve you: The Villages & Gainesville, Florida. We service from Orange County to Alachua County Florida and everything in between. (The Villages, Leesburg, Wildwood, Ocala, Gainesville, Newberry, Mount Dora, Tavares, Clermont, Orlando, Eustis, Micanopy among other cities.
 
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Charles Ross - eXp Realty (Salina Group) | Broker
Salina Group - Salina, KS
Love To Help People

Thank you for this informative post, John. The emphasis on moisture control as a key to preventing mold growth is crucial. Your detailed explanation helps in understanding how mold impacts indoor environments and health. This is valuable information for anyone concerned with indoor air quality. #EnvironmentalHealth #MoldControl 🏠🌿

Nov 10, 2023 10:00 AM
John M. Acaron, CMI, MRSA

Absolutely. People shall be aware how moisture and water intrusion inside a house living space can result in mold growth and contamination.

Nov 10, 2023 10:39 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

This is a very helpful summary of mold issues --and I am sure that there are lots of situations with mold in homes in Gainesville and the Villages - it is something people should pay immediate attention to

Dec 04, 2023 07:20 AM