Mold and Mildew Damage
Flooding inevitably leads to expensive mold
damage.Mold and toxic mold, particularly Stachybotrys black mold, has become an increasing area of concern
among consumers, health researchers and insurance companies because of
the possible health effects and damage to real and personal property.
Scientists, health professionals, insurance companies, and economists
are studying mold damage, mildew and related microorganisms to further
understand how they impact health and finance.
What Is Mold?
Mold
is made up of microscopic organisms that are present both indoors and
outdoors. Mushrooms, yeast, mildew and mold are types of fungi that
break down dead organic material and recycle organic nutrients into the
soil and environment. In order for mold to grow and reproduce, it must
have moisture and a food source. Any organic material such as wood
(including lumber), paper (including wallpaper and drywall), leaves or
soil can serve as food. Mold growth on surfaces is often visible as
discoloration that can be orange, green, brown or black. Sometimes mold
is white. Molds release tiny spores that float through the air.
What Is Toxic Mold?
Certain
types of mold sometimes produce toxic chemicals, called mycotoxins,
that the mold uses to inhibit the growth of other organisms. It is
believed that very specific environmental conditions are needed for
mycotoxins to be produced. The specific conditions that cause mycotoxin
production are not fully understood. Toxic mold is serious, as
mycotoxin exposure can be dangerous to your health. Scientists,
doctors, and health specialists are still unclear on exactly what
effect mycotoxin exposure has on specific health conditions.
How Can I Prevent Mold?
The
most important thing is to keep moisture out. Mold in your home needs
moisture and can usually be found in damp, dark areas. Bathrooms,
kitchens, laundry rooms, roofs, attics, crawl spaces, windows, sliding
glass doors, and plumbing pipes can all hide water leaks. Water can
accumulate causing an environment where mold can grow. It is important
to ventilate normal areas of moisture in your home such as the
bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room egamaddlom. Frequent cleaning of
wet areas in the home can help stop mold growth.