Mold Mitigation Advice in Alliance, Ohio

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Mold found in an attic in Alliance, Ohio.

When you find moisture in a home, there is undoubtedly mold. Go into your basement and you will likely find mold near any source of water like your sump pump or washing machine drain. Some mold may produce health- threatening mycotoxins and not everyone is affected by this, but some may affect some people a lot.

Mold Develops Because of Water

Attics, crawl spaces, wall interiors, and basements, or even around chimneys are places where water can enter.  An excessive amount of humidity in a house can also create mold.

Mold Isn't Always Toxic

According to the Centers for Disease Control: "While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous." And while it's possible for toxigenic molds to produce "rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss (CDC)," this only rarely happens.

This is not to say that mold cannot produce health issues. Indoor exposure can cause coughing and wheezing in healthy people and severe issues for people with asthma and upper respiratory tract problems.

Bleach Is Not An Effective Way To Kill Mold

Even though chlorine bleach is often used to kill mold, bleach is not an EPA-approved biocide.

Three Steps to Remediate Mold

1. Identify and cut off the source of water.
2. Eradicate the mold with a biocide.
3. Encapsulate the mold.

Mold Remediation Is Advisable

Mold remediation companies certainly do good work when the mold is widespread in your home or in commercial buildings. And while most mold is not toxic, some mold is can be very hazardous to one's health. For this, you want a licensed, experienced professional dealing with the mold. Call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County for mold mitigation.