Mold is a fungus that comes in all shapes, sizes and colors ranging from black, white, orange, green and purple. In small amounts, mold is considered natural and harmless. It pays a critical role in the environment to break down decayed or dead nature. However, if mold is able to plant itself and grow within a habitable area of your home, it can begin to be life threatening. This is why it is important to know how to prevent mold in your home and work place.
Infants, children, the elderly, or those whose immune systems suffer from HIV, cancer, liver disease, chemotherapy or lung disease are particularly affected by the growth of mold and how it disturbs the air we breathe. Additionally, people who have allergies or asthma can have exacerbated symptoms due to mold. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and possibly even a skin rash.
So how does this mold contamination even begin to flourish and what makes the environment habitable for this fungus? The answer is moisture.
Mold is able to reproduce by means of tiny spores that travel in air currents. When spores land on moist surfaces, they begin to grow. Just about anything in your home- walls, floors, appliances, carpet, and furniture are all capable of growing mold. However, you’re more likely see mold in places where greater moisture is present, and where mold is given what it needs to thrive and maintain life.
Tips and ideas to prevent/ control the growth of mold in your home:
- Use dehumidifiers especially in hot humid environments like Florida
- Use air conditioners and keep the drip pans for them as clean as possible
- In winter seasons, use the heater to prevent air from condensing on walls as the temperature drops
- Use insulation on appliances
- Fix damages that cause leaks soon as possible
- Live in homes where the ground slopes away from home
- Have your heater and air conditioner checked by a contractor to assure it is functioning properly and able to remove humidity from your environment
- Keep doors inside your home open to improve air circulation
- Use fans to increase air circulation
- Use exhaust fans – especially in bathrooms, laundry room, kitchen and other areas that are likely to accumulate moisture
- Stop the use of appliances that are accumulating unnecessary moisture
- Clean drip pans located in your refrigerator
- Use plastic covers in any crawl spaces
- Make sure crawl spaces are ventilated properly
- Ensure gutters are free of debris and working efficiently
- Vent your clothes dryer to the outside
- Clean your dryer vent often
- Ensure there are no damages to the dryer vent
- Don’t leave damp clothes or towels in clothes bin or dryer for extended periods of time
- Use area rugs
If you suspect mold in your home, it is important to get a mold inspection. OneRestore is a restoration company in Central Florida offering mold removal in Gainesville, Ocala, The Villages and Crystal River areas. Contact us for a complete mold test and assessment in your home or business today.
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