Although the family of fungi commonly called mold performs the environmentally useful task of devouring decaying organic material, it is rarely welcome inside a home. The microscopic spores it produces exist literally everywhere, with the highest concentrations outdoors. When indoor conditions are favorable the population explodes, covering walls or ceilings with dark, moist, spreading blotches. Basement mold removal is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also as a protective measure.
While people understand its ecological importance, they are also aware that high concentrations commonly pose a serious health hazard. It thrives in spaces that are not only dark and relatively warm, but which also contain organic materials suitable for food. When water and oxygen are present in the right amounts, the fungus begins to reproduce within two days or less.
Even though new growth is hardly a reason for panic, there are toxic varieties that can pose immediate threats. In more typical cases, healthy people notice temporary congestion or coughing similar to a cold. Those with weak immune systems, as well as infants and the elderly, may encounter more serious symptoms. Irritated patches of skin, chronic wheezing, unusual shortness of breath, and even lung infections can result.
These distressing symptoms will not disappear until the population is controlled and eliminated, a process involving discovering and removing all moisture sources. Buildings normally are a fungal smorgasbord of edible wall paper, woods, fabric, and dust. When sufficient water is added, growth becomes very difficult to control. Moisture can come from slowly leaking appliances, pipes, or even poor external drainage.
Humidity in some regions is high naturally, and a sluggish indoor air circulation may add to the problem. Mechanical dehumidifiers are helpful in some cases, and many do more than lower the moisture content of air. They also filter particulate matter including spores and pollen, as well as other common airborne pollutants. Although helpful, they cannot solve the problem alone.
Finding and fixing small openings in ceilings or walls is crucial, especially in rooms lower than the ground surface. Basements containing water heaters or other appliances are the common sites of small but constant leaks that raise humidity levels to an ideal sixty percent. Improperly ventilated basement bathrooms with showers prevent standing water from evaporating. Until these issues are corrected, regrowth is guaranteed.
In mild cases, cleanup can be an achievable do-it-yourself project. Bleach or commercially sold formulas are helpful in removing most visual signs, but many experts stress that removing and replacing affected building materials is a better, longer-lasting solution. Basement infestations tend to spread upward, and colonies that are not completely disrupted will silently spread into other parts of the home.
When the outbreak is too widespread to handle alone, it may be necessary to consider hiring a remediation team to resolve the issue permanently. The initial cleanup will get rid of current growth, and may need to be followed by an inspection performed by a basement contractor, familiar with recommend longer-term solutions. Not only is this fungus a recognized health issue, but it can also severely impact the resale value of a structure.
While people understand its ecological importance, they are also aware that high concentrations commonly pose a serious health hazard. It thrives in spaces that are not only dark and relatively warm, but which also contain organic materials suitable for food. When water and oxygen are present in the right amounts, the fungus begins to reproduce within two days or less.
Even though new growth is hardly a reason for panic, there are toxic varieties that can pose immediate threats. In more typical cases, healthy people notice temporary congestion or coughing similar to a cold. Those with weak immune systems, as well as infants and the elderly, may encounter more serious symptoms. Irritated patches of skin, chronic wheezing, unusual shortness of breath, and even lung infections can result.
These distressing symptoms will not disappear until the population is controlled and eliminated, a process involving discovering and removing all moisture sources. Buildings normally are a fungal smorgasbord of edible wall paper, woods, fabric, and dust. When sufficient water is added, growth becomes very difficult to control. Moisture can come from slowly leaking appliances, pipes, or even poor external drainage.
Humidity in some regions is high naturally, and a sluggish indoor air circulation may add to the problem. Mechanical dehumidifiers are helpful in some cases, and many do more than lower the moisture content of air. They also filter particulate matter including spores and pollen, as well as other common airborne pollutants. Although helpful, they cannot solve the problem alone.
Finding and fixing small openings in ceilings or walls is crucial, especially in rooms lower than the ground surface. Basements containing water heaters or other appliances are the common sites of small but constant leaks that raise humidity levels to an ideal sixty percent. Improperly ventilated basement bathrooms with showers prevent standing water from evaporating. Until these issues are corrected, regrowth is guaranteed.
In mild cases, cleanup can be an achievable do-it-yourself project. Bleach or commercially sold formulas are helpful in removing most visual signs, but many experts stress that removing and replacing affected building materials is a better, longer-lasting solution. Basement infestations tend to spread upward, and colonies that are not completely disrupted will silently spread into other parts of the home.
When the outbreak is too widespread to handle alone, it may be necessary to consider hiring a remediation team to resolve the issue permanently. The initial cleanup will get rid of current growth, and may need to be followed by an inspection performed by a basement contractor, familiar with recommend longer-term solutions. Not only is this fungus a recognized health issue, but it can also severely impact the resale value of a structure.
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