Information on Mold Removal for residential and commercial buildings
Mold RemediationMold in Homes
IntroductionThis information is for people who have mold problems in their homes. It presents the health concerns associated with mold exposure and advice on finding and removing mold contamination. What is Mold?Molds are fungi. Molds grow throughout the natural and built environment. Tiny particles of mold are present in indoor and outdoor air. In nature, molds help break down dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items. Molds produce microscopic cells called "spores" which are very tiny and spread easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions. What does mold need to grow?Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply:
Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth. Should I be concerned about mold in my home?Mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, health problems can occur and building materials, goods and furnishings may be damaged. Health EffectsCan mold make me and my family sick?Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it. The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person. What symptoms might I see?The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly report problems such as:
Are the risks greater for some people?There is wide variability in how different people are affected by indoor mold. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:
Those with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. Are some molds more hazardous than others?Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds (called mycotoxins) although they do not always do so. Molds that are able to produce toxins are common. In some circumstances, the toxins produced by indoor mold may cause health problems. However, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins. Home InvestigationHow do I tell if I have a mold problem?Investigate don't test. The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.
Should I test for mold?The Minnesota Department of Health does not recommend testing for mold. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture problems and remove all visible growth. Sometimes, mold growth is hidden and difficult to locate. In such cases, a combination of air (outdoor and indoor air samples) and bulk (material) samples may help determine the extent of contamination and where cleaning is needed. However, mold testing is rarely useful for trying to answer questions about health concerns. Mold Clean-up and RemovalTo clean up and remove indoor mold growth, follow steps 1-6 as they apply to your home.
When can we rebuild?Rebuilding and refurnishing must wait until all affected materials have dried completely. Be patient it takes time to dry out wet building materials. A moisture meter may help measure drying progress. Contact your county Minnesota Extension Service office to see if they loan moisture meters. Can ozone air cleaners remove indoor mold?Some air cleaners are designed to produce ozone which is a strong oxidizing agent and a known irritant of the lungs and respiratory system. Studies have shown that ozone, even at high concentrations, is not effective at killing airborne mold or surface mold contamination. Even if mold was killed by ozone, the health threats would not be reduced until mold contaminants are removed through cleaning. Health experts, including the Minnesota Department of Health, do not recommend the use of ozone to address mold or any other indoor air problems. Contact Information:AbateTek Go to our RESOURCE page for further information on MOLD, LEAD or ASBESTOSSpecializing in Asbestos, Lead and Mold Abatement Hibbing, Minnesota, MN Servicing, Hibbing, Virginia, Mt. Iron, Buhl, Grand Rapids, Calumet, Ely, Cook, Cloquet, Chisholm, Duluth, Two Harbors, International Falls AND MORE.. Northern Minnesota Regions , plus. Entire Iron Range of Minnesota! |
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