Mold Removal is a big problem even in dry
climates such as Utah. Mold is a type of fungus and is common in our
environment. Mold/fungus is necessary to help breakdown and
decay dead trees and other organic matter.
Mold
in our homes is a problem. In the Old Testament Book of
Leviticus, Israelites were instructed that mold in their homes was
unhealthy. They were also given guidelines for cleaning or
removal of mold and also when it was appropriate to tear the house
down.
In recent years, our medical science has identified many
Possible Symptoms of Mold Exposure. The more toxic types
of mold do not grow in our homes unless there has been water damage
that soaked materials for several days giving the mold an
opportunity to grow. The water may have been from a single
episode that was not dried quickly or thoroughly. Or the water
may have been from a slow leak from a pipe or roof etc.
Our exposure to the mold can be from touching, ingesting or
breathing bits of mold,
microbial voc's,
mycotoxins or spores. Mold reproduces by releasing spores,
each spore is like a seed and capable of growing a new mold colony
under the right conditions. Mold will produce the most spores
when it is going dormant or losing its moisture source. A
single colony of penicillium, one square inch in size, may contain
as many as 400,000,000 spores.
It is very important that mold removal be done properly by
professionals to prevent exposure of individuals to the mold and to
prevent spreading the mold spores through the rest of the building.
Mold generally appears dark or black but may also be white, brown,
yellow or green. If the mold is on a non-porous surface or is
a small area, you may remove the mold yourself. If it is over
about 2 sq. ft. and on porous materials, you should have a
professional do the removal.
