Friday 21 June 2013

Mold Restoration in Arizona

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are a natural part of our environment that reproduce by means of tiny spores; these spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through both outdoor and indoor air. Molds play a important part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. There are many types of mold, and they all require water or moisture in order to grow and thrive. Indoor molds may begin growing when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet or damp in any way.

Can mold cause health problems?

Unless mold spores land on a wet or damp area and begin growing, molds usually do not become a problem indoors in Arizona.  Most molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins) which have the potential to cause health problems. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common and can include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). These responses to mold can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

Mold Cleanup

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a mold cleanup contractor. One consideration is the size of the mold issue. In most cases, if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can handle the job yourself by following the EPA guidelines. However, if the mold damage covers more than 10 square feet, consult a Mold Restoration Specialist in Arizona.
  • When you hire a restoration contractor in Arizona to handle the mold cleanup, make sure they are qualified and experienced specifically in cleaning up mold. Ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations and check references.

  • If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, or there is mold near the intake to the system, consult a mold restoration contractor immediately. This situation presents a significant health risk - do not run the contaminated unit as it will spread mold throughout the building.

  • When there is water and/or mold damage caused by sewage or other contaminated water, call in a restoration professional who has experience cleaning and fixing homes or businesses damaged by contaminated water or flooding.

  • If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup. 
Click here to download the EPA's Mold Remediation Manual

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