Mold FAQ
Get answers to all your questions about mold and indoor air quality.
Mold isn’t just unattractive and damaging to your property. It can be irritating and damaging to your health too. Learn about the ill effects of mold and how to address them in this FAQ.
What Are the Adverse Health Effects of Mold?
The most common health problems associated with mold are simple allergy-like symptoms including headache, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, sore throat, and sinus problems. However, some individuals may be more susceptible to mold and suffer a more serious reaction to mold exposure. For example, people with asthma can experience more frequent attacks or even develop respiratory problems.
What is Toxic Mold?
There are tens of thousands of different types of mold, and some experts believe that maybe 100 of them can release compounds called mycotoxins. These compounds can cause more serious health problems than mold spores alone. Stachybotrys chartarum is an example of a mold commonly called “toxic mold.”
How Much Mold Exposure is Safe?
There is no universal answer to this question, since different individuals react differently to mold exposure. Some tolerate it better than others. There is also the issue of different types of mold releasing different amounts of spores, so it is difficult to say that any particular size of mold patch is dangerous. The best rule of thumb is simply to always call a professional for mold remediation as soon as you have any uncomfortable symptoms.
Do I Need Professional Mold Remediation?
If you have found a patch of mold greater than 3×3 feet, you should get professional mold remediation. Professional assistance is also wise if you suspect that there is more mold inside walls or ceilings than you can actually see, or if you are allergic to mold. At H2 Environmental, we can facilitate professional mold removal and cleanup services for you.
Should I Get a Mold Test?
In most cases, testing for mold is not necessary. If you smell moldy odors or see patches of mold, you already know you have a problem. However, if you have individuals who are especially susceptible to severe mold-related health problems you may want to get your air tested to check the levels of mold spores present. H2 Environmental can facilitate this testing for you.
What Can I Do to Prevent Mold Growth?
There are two main approaches to take when it comes to mold prevention. First, you can focus on keeping mold spore levels down with aggressive air filtration. This will help improve your overall indoor air quality too. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, you can make sure no hospitable conditions for mold exist inside your property. This means eliminating moisture and humidity. Be sure to check for leaks frequently and repair any problems promptly. You may also need to invest in a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels at 50 percent or lower.
