I have mold - how concerned should I be?
Many people may consider mold an inconvenience in their damp basement or attic. But mold can be much more than just an inconvenience-mold can affect your health and the integrity of your house. Left unchecked, mold can go from being a manageable situation to a very big problem. It is important to contact a certified mold professional or mold Inspection Company as soon as you discover you have a problem to prevent the spread of the contamination to additional areas of the home or business. [READ MORE]
What is Mold?
Molds are forms of fungus that are found naturally in the environment. In this natural environment molds play a big role in the breakdown of wood, leaves and other plant debris. Molds come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Molds can appear fuzzy or in circular patterns. Very often a musty odor will be noticed where mold grows. Mold creates tiny spores during reproduction just as plants produce seeds. If mold is growing indoors these spores move through the air and may settle on particular surfaces. If these surfaces happen to be damp or are in areas with high humidity then the spores will begin to grow and multiply very rapidly.
Molds needs a food source as well as a regular source of moisture. Common household items provide an excellent source of food for mold to proliferate. These items include; fabric, wood, sheetrock and sheathing, but molds can grow on almost anything. While these food sources are normal parts of your home, it is the source of moisture that is the limiting factor. When there is a damp surface or material that is not properly dried after a flood event or an indoor plumbing issue, molds can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours in the area. An extended period of relative humidity of 50% or higher inside a home can quickly lead to mold growth.
Common food sources for mold;
- Carpet
- Sheetrock
- Framing
- Cardboard boxes
- trim
- clothing/shoes
- Linens
- Furniture
- Cabinets
- paper
- insulation
- dirt/dust
Many methods can be used to detect mold. These various methods can be used to find particles of mold in dust, air and in dirt, or identify mold growing on furnishings, building materials, and other surfaces. Some mold testing methods can identify some of these species - the live (or viable) molds in samples. READ MORE
There are many ways to prevent mold from growing in your home or business, but once it's there and beyond the scope that an untrained professional can handle, it's time to call in the experts at Eco Tech LLC. The steps and processes associated with a correct remediation plan are very important and each step has its own value and must be performed properly in order to ensure subsequent actions are successful. READ MORE
1.) Health risks and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergies, asthma, sinusitis and other respiratory complaints.
2.) Mold is found in both the indoor and outdoor environments. If you want to prevent unhealthy build-up of mold you have to control the moisture levels in your home.
Eco Tech LLC is the only Philadelphia area mold remediation company that is 100% dedicated to environmentally friendly and sustainable practices in the day to day operations of our employees and owners. How do we accomplish our goals? READ MORE
Eco-Friendly Mold Inspection & Removal Services