First, let's go over a quick review of mold. All molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is dangerous to humans is relatively uncommon in the fungus kingdom, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't harmful. However, some toxic molds are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be mitigated and completely removed.
Because of unknown risk levels, you should almost always contact a who repairs mold damage Lehigh Acres FL company if you find discover mold in your home. This is because if you see mold growth, there is probably more trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to prevent the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Next, work to halt the dripping or condensation that supplied the mold. Make sure roof leaks are no longer dripping into your house or business and restrict the flow of any water that has penetrated your basement. The next step is to contain the mold in as small an area as possible. You could block off the room with plastic sheeting, for instance.
Should you get a mold mitigation service to help or can you finish it on your own? Beyond pondering the size of the issue, think about any exacerbating health issues you may have that make you prone to risk.
Once you've selected a solution, there are vital things to do. If you're doing the work, start with gathering proper equipment and clothing. You'll need airtight goggles, coveralls that are easy to clean and that cover your extremities, a mold-safe mask and mold-approved gloves that reach at least to your forearms. You will also want new disposable sponges and a disposable tarp or two that will help catch mold spores as you remove them. Health officials agree that you should not leave moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Don't. Bleach is less effective than other detergents and often doesn't remediate mold thoroughly. Bleach also puts off toxic fumes, particularly if it's ever mixed with ammonia-based cleaners. Find better alternatives at the hardware store.
If you're concerned enough about mold damage to look for solutions on the web, you need certified a professional mold removal service. If you choose to hire a mold removal service, look for one local to your city because various molds grow in different geographic locations and you need experts who know the best mold damage mitigation strategies to remove what you have found in your home or business. The more local, the better.
Check licensing and certifications before you hire a mold damage cleanup service. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to get started, and you can check for approval by groups such as as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.
You need to mitigate any fungal growth you come across to prevent further harm, and do it right away. If you don't, harmful mold will continue to feast on your home or business and will ruin your things. Some types of mold, those that release toxic spores, can also cause major health risks ranging from neurological damage to respiratory and mold-related infections and generally poor health. Mold in the environment can be particularly harmful to infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system .
The ideal way to mitigate your mold growth is to get mold removal help. Don't delay.