What is Mold?
Mold and fungi are terms generally used to describe a distinct group of organisms that are fuzzy or powdery in appearance.
The fungus was once considered a part of the plant kingdom; they are now regarded as a distinct kingdom of organisms. Fungi tend to absorb nutrients from dead or living organic matter to grow and survive.
At least 100,000 living species of fungus have been identified, some of which are beneficial to mankind.
Mycologists (scientists specializing in botany that deals with fungi) have estimated that another 200,000 fungi may probably exist that have not yet been identified.
How Can We Be Exposed to Mold?
Exposure to molds is possible in several ways. First is by skin contact with molds. People with high allergic reactions to molds may https://pacificdecon.com/2021/10/24/13348/develop rashes where the mold has made contact with the skin.
Inhalation of spores from mold may cause allergic reactions or asthma as it passes through the nose and the lungs.
Mold exposure can also occur when someone accidentally ingests food or materials contaminated with molds.
How Does Mold Affect Our Health?
Molds are probably the leading cause of airborne allergies. Within the mold spores are mycotoxins that can cause health issues.
Some of the most common symptoms of those sensitive to molds include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, cold and flu-like symptoms, rashes, conjunctivitis, inability to concentrate, and fatigue.
Exposure to molds has also been associated with the onset of asthma (especially with children).
How Do I Deal with Molds in My Home?
The most common way of treatment is to have Pacific Decontamination Services decontaminate the entire living area, with a primary focus on areas where fungi are present.
How Do I Decrease Indoor Molds?
Ideally, you not only want to avoid molds indoors but prevent them from ever growing (or back again after decontamination).
By knowing the factors of how molds thrive, you can quickly decrease or even prevent mold from even growing in your home.
So the best way to prevent mold growth in your home after decontamination is humidity, and liquid water must be eliminated vigilantly through a dehumidifier and appropriate cleanup.
How Do I Locate Molds in My Home?
There are signs to watch for if you want to discover mold growth in your house. Sometimes you can see and smell mold cells that are growing on surfaces. This is especially true when the humidity within your premises is higher than 60%.
Its is possible that there is mold growth wherever there are water stains, standing water, or moist surfaces. Walls, ceilings, carpets, windowsills, drain pans, ductwork, vents, bathrooms, and wallboard should all be thoroughly inspected.
Look for possible stains and streaks on walls, ceilings, and floors. You should also look for bubbles in paint, plaster, and loose wallpaper.
How to Get Rid of Mold
This is where Pacific Decontamination Services can help. Call Pacific Decontamination Services at 778-269-0208 or email us!
Serving All of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.
What does Mold need to Thrive?
First and foremost, like all living things, molds need food to survive. The fact that molds can feed on almost any organic material makes their food easy to find.
Next, molds depend on their fungal spores to multiply. Another factor for molds to thrive and multiply is liquid water.
This is why it is strongly advised to fix water leaks immediately.
And the last factor needed for molds to thrive is warm temperature and excessive humidity. Molds typically thrive at temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit ( 10 C) up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 C).
Where does Mold Grow?
Mold can grow anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as long as there is enough surface moisture to keep them alive.
Fungi can be found in every type of climate and social and economic condition. They live where moisture, oxygen, and other chemicals that they need are present. They can be found on the surfaces of objects, within pores, and inside deteriorated materials.
Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, Ladysmith and Duncan are locations where mold is commonly found in crawl spaces, basements, attics and living spaces.
We neutralize your mold by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your attic, crawlspace, or basement. Depending on the job, we apply our formula by spray, mist, foam, or fog. We do not use a tent. The average time of our on-site service is approximately one hour. An additional four hours is required to achieve maximum effectiveness. We ask that you stay out of the premise for approximately 5 hours in total. Read more about how we work.
Pacific Decontamination Services uses the world’s strongest, most effective and safe antimicrobial disinfectant, deodorization and chemical decontaminate. Our professional application will eliminate up to 99.99999% of any allergen, germ, bacteria or fungus that it touches. AND as powerful as it is, it is also completely safe.
What do you do next? How do you solve the challenge of mold and associated health hazards?
Call Pacific Decontamination Services at 778-269-0208 or email us!
Serving All of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.