Mold spores are everywhere in New Jersey and can grow nearly anywhere inside or outside. Floating through the air, the spores settle on all types of surfaces. At this stage, the mold is dormant and harmless but environmental conditions such as high humidity and warm temperatures can cause these spores to turn into dangerous active colonies.
As the active colonies grow and compete with other organisms f
or resources, some mold produces particular types of toxins called mycotoxins. The mycotoxins in mold are responsible for more than allergies and asthma attacks. In cases of extreme exposure, patients experienced respiratory problems, organ failure and cancer.
Once the active colonies have appeared there is no easy fix to remove the mold from your home. There are many methods such as washing the area with vinegar, using citrus seed extract or tea tree oil, but none of these solutions can guarantee that the mold is gone for good. The best way to deal with a mold problem is to take preventative measures to ensure that the colonies never begin in the first place. It is difficult to dry out already saturated areas.
To avoid a mold problem, there are many steps to take in mold prevention. Drying out any suspected areas of mold is the most important step in mold prevention. Dehumidifiers reduce the amount of humidity in the air and create an environment that is not conducive for active mold colonies. If there is a water leak or spill, make sure that the damp areas dry within 48 hours of the spill and mold will likely not have enough time to grow.
Basements, carpeting and bathrooms are prone to mold colonies and special attention should be taken with these rooms. Run the fan during showers and always use exhaust fans when cooking or working in the kitchen to reduce moisture. Many appliances produce moisture during operation so vent the areas around the appliances as much as possible. Prevent condensation around cool surfaces in these rooms and keep the air temperature low.
Mold colonies are hazardous to the health of your family and to be sure of your safety, call a professional to assess the mold situation and reduce the possibility of an outbreak. The best way to deal with mold is through proven strategic mold prevention methods. A mold control company is also prepared to handle any mold problem and should be consulted.
