Mold spores are microscopic and spread easily, so if you don’t remove the entire infestation or fix the source of the moisture problem, it will inevitably return. This is why the Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring a professional for any area larger than 10 square feet of affected material.

Store-bought mold removal products typically contain bleach. Follow the instructions for use and safety. Contact Mold Removal Salt Lake City for professional help.
Mold spores are airborne and can be inhaled by those in the home. Depending on the person and the type of mold, these spores can cause a variety of health problems including allergies, skin irritation, respiratory issues and in some cases, even a weakened immune system. For this reason, it is important to always be cautious around any indoor mold and to ensure you are properly protected when tackling a remediation project at home. This means a mask or respirator, waterproof gloves and goggles without ventilation holes. Before starting any work, it is also recommended to consult a medical health professional for guidance on how best to proceed.
Mold growth typically occurs where there is excess moisture and a food source. It can grow on wood, drywall, paper and even in carpets. The spores that produce mold can travel through air currents, spreading the fungus to new areas where they can find moisture and nutrients. This makes it easy for mold to spread throughout the home, especially in areas that are warm and humid.
The most common signs of a mold problem are water damage and musty odors. These issues can lead to wood rot and other structural damage that requires a thorough inspection and remediation process. For people with sensitive health, a mild to moderate reaction to mold can include skin irritation and respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and nasal congestion. In some cases, certain types of mold can create mycotoxins, which are chemical compounds that can be toxic to humans, animals and plants.
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold from growing in the first place, as this will save you money and time in terms of repairs and replacements. Make sure to fix any leaks promptly and keep humidity levels low in damp spaces like basements, bathrooms and kitchens. If you do find a spot of mold, it’s vital to address the issue quickly and hire a trained technician for a proper remediation process. During the remediation stage, a trained professional will use thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters and heat chambers to determine the extent of the damage, isolate the area, remove the mold and clean the surrounding area thoroughly.
Damage to Materials
Mold can damage materials and structures, especially those made of cellulose such as paper, cardboard, and fabric. It also damages wood and drywall. It can cause warping, rotting, and staining. Molds release toxins called mycotoxins that are a threat to human health. They can trigger inflammatory responses in those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, and can lead to mycotoxicosis.
Mycotoxicosis causes chronic, debilitating, and sometimes fatal infections. The best way to prevent mold growth is to keep humidity levels low and dry out wet surfaces as quickly as possible. When a problem does occur, use mold removal specialists who understand the risks and have the proper equipment to address the issue safely.
While you can clean a small amount of surface mold, eliminating the mold from large areas requires expertise. It also requires that the occupants of the home or building be protected from the spores and mycotoxins while the area is cleaned. This can only be done by a company that has both the necessary equipment and the trained and certified staff.
A good remediation company can assess the extent of the mold problem and clean all affected areas. They can also identify the type of mold and its impact on occupants, particularly those with allergies or other breathing issues. They can also check the air quality, and recommend and implement preventative measures.
Water mitigation is one of the most important aspects of mold remediation, because mold thrives in wet conditions. If the source of the moisture isn’t found and repaired, mold will return and a new infestation may begin.
It is nearly impossible to remove all mold spores from a space, because they are microscopic. These spores can be tracked into the home or building by people, pets, and furniture, or can drift in through open windows or doors. They can also become airborne and settle on surfaces in other parts of the house.
Before starting any mold cleaning, cover floors and furnishings with plastic drop cloths to avoid spreading spores to other rooms in the home. It is a good idea to wear a mask or respirator designed for particle removal (N-95 is typically recommended). Also, it is advisable to remove upholstered furniture and other cellulose-based furnishings, as mold spores can imbed in these materials.
Discoloration
Mold spores are released into the air from mold colonies and travel through indoor spaces. When they land on a damp or dusty surface, they grow and reproduce. The resulting mycotoxins are poisonous and allergenic for those with sensitive respiratory systems. A person with a respiratory allergy will experience sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath when exposed to mold.
Mold spores grow on a variety of surfaces including wallpaper, carpeting and fabrics. It is also possible for fungi to penetrate building materials like wood and drywall and begin growing inside. If the mold is not cleaned thoroughly, it can become ingrained within the material and difficult to remove.
When a homeowner or business owner spots a patch of discoloration on a wall, ceiling or other surface, they may assume it is dirt or mildew. However, it is more likely to be a result of a previous mold infestation. Discoloration caused by a mold colony is typically darker than normal and can lead to a rotting effect in the area.
Many people are able to identify the presence of mold in their home or business by the smell. The musty or earthy odor produced by mold is an indication that it is in a dark and damp corner without adequate ventilation. In addition, if an area of the building has experienced flooding in the past, it is important to check the space for mold growth.
Before attempting to clean mold, it is important to understand that even the dead organisms are allergenic and toxic to those with a respiratory condition. During allergy testing, doctors will inject a small amount of a dead mold spore under the skin of the patient. If the individual reacts with a rash or other itching, they are sensitive to the mycotoxins produced by the mold spore. While cleaning, wear elbow-length household rubber gloves and goggles. If you have a respiratory condition, it is recommended that you use an N-95 face mask to limit exposure to the mold spores. Additionally, it is important to open windows and run an exhaust fan during mold removal to move spores out of the room.
Mold Spores
Seeing mold spores in your home is the most obvious sign of a serious infestation. These spores look like dark stains or discolorations and often appear fuzzy. They can be green, red, blue, black or white and vary in texture. If you see them, it’s important to get the area professionally inspected and treated for the presence of fungus.
Spores can cause a variety of health issues, including allergic reactions such as itchy skin and tingling sensations, and in severe cases, mycotoxins. These mycotoxins are produced by some strains of fungus, such as Aspergillus, Alternia, Cladosporium and Penicillium, and can trigger asthma and other respiratory diseases. They can also lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Some spores are toxic at all stages of their development, including the germination stage and adulthood. Others are only toxic at certain stages of their growth, but all spores must be treated as potentially hazardous and handled with caution. Spores must be inhaled or ingested in order to cause illness, so it’s essential that you wear personal protective equipment (gloves, respirator and apron) when handling any materials infested with mold.
Mold spores can be found in most homes, but they are more likely to appear in areas that have been damp for long periods of time. These include bathrooms, basements and sink cabinets. Using a dehumidifier can help keep humidity levels low in these areas. Food can be contaminated with mold spores from the air, so it’s important to buy in smaller quantities and store foods as quickly as possible. This will help to prevent spoilage and avoid the formation of mold.
It’s also important to inspect and clean your home regularly. Keeping the house well-ventilated will help to keep mold spores at bay, as will wiping down surfaces with a mild bleach solution. If you have framed art or prints, it’s a good idea to place them in a frame with insect screening. This will protect the art from damage and ensure that any inactive mold spores are not disturbed, leading to further problems.