Although the family of fungi commonly called mold performs the environmentally useful task of devouring decaying organic material, it is rarely welcome inside a home. The microscopic spores it produces exist literally everywhere, with the highest concentrations outdoors. When indoor conditions are favorable the population explodes, covering walls or ceilings with dark, moist, spreading blotches. Basement mold removal is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also as a protective measure.
Although people understand the importance of these organisms to the environment, most are also aware of the hazards of breathing their residue. The fungus is attracted to warm, dark spaces that are also an organic food source. When oxygen and moisture are both present at the right levels, the fungi begins to reproduce and grow rapidly within 48 hours or less, and will continue until the supply is exhausted.
While the sight of new growth is not a reason for panic, some types are actually toxic. Others commonly cause symptoms similar to a common cold, including mild congestion, and are generally not a serious threat except to infants and the elderly population, as well as people with compromised immune systems. In more serious cases people report skin irritation, trouble breathing, wheezing, and even lung infections.
The symptoms usually do not ease until the colony is halted, a process that involves locating and removing all sources of moisture. Most buildings contain materials preferred by these organisms, including wood, fabric, wall paper, and even dust accumulations, but water is the catalyst. Moisture can be present in the air, or come from leaking pipes poor drainage.
Natural humidity is very high in many locations, and sluggish or poor circulation exacerbates the issue. In some instances the use of electrical dehumidifiers can be helpful, and most models do more than remove atmospheric moisture. They also filter out small particulates such as pollen, in addition to other non-organic pollutants. While helpful, they cannot completely solve the problem.
Openings or leaks in ceilings and walls must be discovered and repaired, especially in rooms beneath ground level. In some cases, water heaters or other appliances located in basements consistently leak enough water to actually increase average humidity to the ideal growth level of 60 percent. Improperly ventilated basement bathrooms or showers also encourage residual moisture. Unless permanently corrected, the problem will always return.
In mild cases, cleanup can be an achievable do-it-yourself project. Bleach or commercially sold formulas are helpful in removing most visual signs, but many experts stress that removing and replacing affected building materials is a better, longer-lasting solution. Basement infestations tend to spread upward, and colonies that are not completely disrupted will silently spread into other parts of the home.
Serious outbreaks can be too much to handle alone, and hiring an experienced remediation team may be necessary. Although the initial cleanup will provide relief by interrupting rapid growth, a followup inspection performed by a licensed basement contractor may be necessary in order to make significant changes. Not only is this organism a health hazard, but a severe outbreak can actually lower the resale value of a home.
Although people understand the importance of these organisms to the environment, most are also aware of the hazards of breathing their residue. The fungus is attracted to warm, dark spaces that are also an organic food source. When oxygen and moisture are both present at the right levels, the fungi begins to reproduce and grow rapidly within 48 hours or less, and will continue until the supply is exhausted.
While the sight of new growth is not a reason for panic, some types are actually toxic. Others commonly cause symptoms similar to a common cold, including mild congestion, and are generally not a serious threat except to infants and the elderly population, as well as people with compromised immune systems. In more serious cases people report skin irritation, trouble breathing, wheezing, and even lung infections.
The symptoms usually do not ease until the colony is halted, a process that involves locating and removing all sources of moisture. Most buildings contain materials preferred by these organisms, including wood, fabric, wall paper, and even dust accumulations, but water is the catalyst. Moisture can be present in the air, or come from leaking pipes poor drainage.
Natural humidity is very high in many locations, and sluggish or poor circulation exacerbates the issue. In some instances the use of electrical dehumidifiers can be helpful, and most models do more than remove atmospheric moisture. They also filter out small particulates such as pollen, in addition to other non-organic pollutants. While helpful, they cannot completely solve the problem.
Openings or leaks in ceilings and walls must be discovered and repaired, especially in rooms beneath ground level. In some cases, water heaters or other appliances located in basements consistently leak enough water to actually increase average humidity to the ideal growth level of 60 percent. Improperly ventilated basement bathrooms or showers also encourage residual moisture. Unless permanently corrected, the problem will always return.
In mild cases, cleanup can be an achievable do-it-yourself project. Bleach or commercially sold formulas are helpful in removing most visual signs, but many experts stress that removing and replacing affected building materials is a better, longer-lasting solution. Basement infestations tend to spread upward, and colonies that are not completely disrupted will silently spread into other parts of the home.
Serious outbreaks can be too much to handle alone, and hiring an experienced remediation team may be necessary. Although the initial cleanup will provide relief by interrupting rapid growth, a followup inspection performed by a licensed basement contractor may be necessary in order to make significant changes. Not only is this organism a health hazard, but a severe outbreak can actually lower the resale value of a home.
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