For those who have never dealt with mold exposure or learned about its effects in the past, it’s important to understand how harmful it can be. Mold exposure can lead to increased respiratory issues like asthma or allergies in limited quantities, and can help cause even more significant issues like pneumonia or bronchitis when exposure is significant.
At Wasatch Clean Air, we offer high-quality mold remediation services in addition to our air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning and home air purifier system services. We’re also here to provide tips when it comes to preventing mold risks, and there’s one element that plays a particularly key role here: Moisture. Let’s look at how mold and moisture are related, the risks of standing moisture in many home spaces and how you can prevent mold from forming.
Mold and Moisture
Simply put, it’s much harder – virtually impossible, in fact – for mold to grow without the presence of moisture. Mold grows as a result of tiny spores that are invisible to humans, spores that generally float through the air both outside and inside. These spores aren’t particularly harmful until they land on wet surfaces, at which point they will begin to reproduce and expand at an exponentially larger rate.
This is the point where mold becomes dangerous and unhealthy. Mold spores produce allergens, irritants and even toxic substances, which if touched or inhaled can lead to major reactions and health concerns. Skin, eye, nose and throat irritations are all common after mold exposure.
“Feeding” Mold
In addition to moisture, mold tends to require a surface that will “feed” it as it grows, so to speak. Such surfaces may include wall backsides, wallpaper, paneling, ceiling tiles, or even the undersides of carpets and pads in the home.
One major prevention method to keep in mind: Anytime these kinds of surfaces become wet or damp for any reason, work to dry them within 24 hours however possible. If you are able to do so, this will generally prevent the onset of mold growth before it becomes too significant.
Additional Moisture Risks
In cases where mold does begin to grow within your home, it’s very important to call our team for mold remediation right away. This is because standing water and wet materials are not only a mold attractor, but also a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria and other additional contaminants. Schedule cleaning and water damage repair right away to avoid the increase of these sorts of risks, and also consider purchasing a dehumidifier in the short term to lower the humidity in the space.
For more on the connection between mold and moisture, or to learn about any of our mold remediation or indoor air quality services, speak to the staff at Wasatch Clean Air today.
