Mold and mildew are fungi growth that typically develops on wet and damp materials. They are natural to the environment and they help to play a role in which they break down dead organic matter like dead trees and leaves. Mold and mildew usually reproduce through tiny spores present in the environment.
These spores which are not visible to the naked eye are like seeds and they get attached to different surfaces. With the right conditions including moisture, temperature and nutrients, these spores grow into mold wherever they are deposited. This is why they are common occurrences anywhere moisture is present in the home.
Although they look almost alike, there are slight differences between mold and mildew. While mildew is white, yellow, or gray and it is powdery to touch, mold is either black or green and is slimy. Mildew is easier to clean while mold is tougher to remove. They both thrive in moisture and can be harmful to the health. Both grow on materials such as fabric, leather, leaves, food, paper, wood, etc. They are also found on walls, tiles and mostly places around the home where there is a lot of humidity such as a bathroom, kitchen and laundry room.
As much as possible, the growth of mold and mildew should be curtailed around the home especially indoors. This is because asides from the fact that their growth is unsightly, they can also cause health issues to people living in the home.
The Impact of Mold and Mildew on Your Home
Mold and mildew survive where they get nourishment and they will likely do in your house. They can be found feeding on the cellulose present in wallpaper, insulation, or paper that is used in drywalls. Some others feed on glue and if they are left unchecked, they will destroy your home.
Asides from these materials used in building a house, molds also thrive on accumulated dirt and dust. Although this won’t destroy your house, it will make it look and smell bad. This is why it is always a good practice to keep your home clean always. Also, you need to take care of anything that can cause moisture such as a leaky pipe or clogged drain.
If they show up in your food storage, they can harm your food. They can also destroy your clothes and fabric if they find their way to your wardrobe or wherever your clothes are.
The ultimate effect of mold and mildew is what they can do to your health and that of your family. Their presence in your home can cause several health issues. Some types of mold produce mycotoxins which when a person is exposed to for a prolonged time may cause neurological problems or even death.
Also, when you inhale mold or mildew, you can experience symptoms such as headache, running nose, nasal blockage, wheezing, tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing. Other symptoms include irritation of the skin, throat irritation, coughing, consistent sneezing and other respiratory issues. You will find how they affect your health in this article https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323419.
Getting Rid of Mold and Mildew
The best way to get rid of mold and mildew is to prevent them from getting into your home in the first instance. This you can do by ensuring to take care of anything that may cause moisture. However, if you already have an issue, there are companies and businesses that can help you get rid of them in a process called removal or remediation.
Because there are a variety of these fungi that can affect your home, there is a need to let the removal experts know what type you are dealing with. This will enable them to know what kind of strategy to employ in remediating the problem.
The first step is usually to come around and inspect the place. During this time, remediation experts will identify what is causing the problem that is, where moisture is coming from and any organic food source. When this is done, they do a test by collecting samples and sending them to a lab so as to know the type of mold that is present.
The next step is to contain the area and purify the air using negative pressure as well as air filtration systems. This prevents the spread of the spores when they are disturbed. The negative pressure and air filtration helps keeps the spores confined in the area so they can easily be removed.
When the area has been contained, any contaminated material is removed and disposed of properly. The walls, floors, tiles, or any affected part of the house are also cleaned thoroughly.
Finally, once the place is clean, the removal experts conduct a final inspection where another sample is collected and sent to the lab to be analyzed. If the spores are remaining, they ensure to take care of them and also ensure that your home meets up with the right health as well as safety standards. You can click here to learn more about this process.
Conclusion
Mold and mildew are not only a bad influence on your property. They also impact your health negatively. For this reason, you need to take steps to prevent their presence. If you are already experiencing them, then you should immediately call remediation experts to help you get rid of them.
