Mold Hazards in Your West Palm Beach Home
Posted in: Mold Remediation
It is common for mold to grow in homes across West Palm Beach. With the amount of rainfall and combination of cold and hot weather, the general climate in Florida is perfect for mold to grow in. Although most molds grow outside of your home around your walls, foundation, or on your roof, it can also be found inside your home in areas such as window sills, the bathroom, and down in the basement. Mold can be hazardous to both your health and your home’s wooden structure, because it not only grows as a result of moisture, but also creates moisture as well.
Causes of Mold
Molds are part of the natural environment outside. Outdoors, mold contributes to nature by eroding organic material such as dead leaves and rotting trees. Inside your home, however, mold growth should be eliminated all together. Molds reproduce using microscopic spores that circulate through outdoor and indoor air. Mold will grow in your home when it lands on wet surfaces. All types of mold require water or moisture to grow. Keeping your house dry, therefore, is essential. If you locate an area in your where there is a significant amount of mold – for instance, on the walls in your bathroom, then it could be a sign that wood frame is rotting. This would require an immediate inspection of the inner walls in order to detect water or air leaks or structural damage.Health Risks Associated with Mold
Molds are usually not a major issue in the home, unless mold spores collect on a wet or damp area and begin developing. Molds have the potential to cause numerous health problems, however, if allowed to grow significantly. Molds produce allergens, breathing and eye irritants, and in some cases, potentially poisonous substances. Inhaling or direct contact with mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions for some homeowners. Some symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Once mold begins growing in the house, then allergic reactions to more are common, than most people realize. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks. Prolonged exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.Eliminating Mold in Your Home
It is impossible to completely eradicate mold from your home. Since mold spores are air born, and numerous, they circulate into every area of your house from the outside. There are some practical steps you can take to minimize spores, however, and also keep it from growing inside your home. The most important step is to make sure your home is properly insulated. All cracks and air or water leaks in your home need to be sealed. Also, use double pane windows and make sure they are sealed as well. Another effective strategy is to purchase air cleaners or humidifiers which destroy 99% of the allergens that it catches. And last, keep the air filter in your home’s air conditioner changed at all times.Recent Articles
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