Mold Prevention & Early Detection Tips

MOISTURE

You can prevent damage to your home, and its contents, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.
Condensation, humidity, leaks, and flooding are all moisture-related causes of mold growth.
Reminder: With any type of water damage in the home drying the affected areas within three days or less will help prevent the growth of toxic mold.
Black mold is a toxic species of mold that forms in moisture-rich areas.

MOLD

When dealing with a mold issue, calling a professional is your best bet in guaranteeing the issue is properly taken care of, and will not return.
Mold not only damages the materials it is found on, but also effects the air in your home, air conditioning unit, clothing, kitchenware, carpets, and your overall health.
Mold causes allergy-like symptoms in those who come in contact with mold spores.
Mold only needs a few things to grow including moisture, organic materials (nutrients), and temperature of 60-100 degrees.
Musty odors are a very common sign of mold growth.
Mold and mildew are two different forms of fungi. Mildew (surface mold) can easily be removed with soap and warm water.
Mold has a strong odor that typically smells like the following: Musty odor, wet leaves, dampness, aged wood, stuffy, stale and mildew.
November is the month where mold levels are the lowest due to lower humidity.
When ingested Activated Charcoal can help elevate mold poisoning.
Improving air flow in your home can prevent moisture build up and mold growth.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Plants help improve your indoor air quality. There are many kinds of indoor plants, but a specific few have the best affects on the indoor air. Read more here .
Furniture contains toxic chemicals that affect your indoor air quality.
Some candles contain harmful carcinogens that release toxins into the air when burned. Using soy candles or essential oils is a healthier and safer way to scent your home.
Make sure you have plenty of ventilation in your home. Use fans and open your windows often to allow fresh air into your space.
Use all natural cleaning products that don’t release harmful chemicals into the air. Bleach also gives off dangerous fumes that affect your respiratory system.
You can view your areas indoor air quality score by visiting the Earth Date Labs website.
Where you live can determine the air quality in your home based on air pollution.

ALLERGIES

Allergies effect many people and the cause could be something inside your home.
Common mold, dust, dust mites, cockroaches, furniture, cleaning products and more.
To find our ways to prevent allergy symtoms read our blog here.
Allergies sufferers are effected all year long, but July begins mold spore allergy season.

BLACK MOLD

Black mold is not actually just black. It can look gray and dark blue.
There are many different types of black mold, some are harmful and some are not.
Black mold is well known because it is the most common type of mold that forms in homes.
Black mold grows everywhere from on your food, in walls, and among vegetation including leaves.
One little known way to prevent mold growth in the shower is the use a squeegee.

MOLD AND PETS

Pets feel the negative effects of mold exposure more than people because their immune system is smaller and more sensitive than ours..
The best action to take when you find your pet is suffering from any of the above symptoms related to mold is to relocate them.
If you have an ill pet and have had water damage in your home, it’s best to let your veterinarian know if your home has been exposed to water damage whether it’s from a flood, roof leak, or a common household leak.
Take pets to the vet if you have mold to make sure they are not suffering from a mold-related illness and are continuing to be healthy.
mold and pets is very serious and for the sake of your little loved ones, should not be taken lightly.