Mold is something that should be removed from an area immediately as it is not only ugly and smelly but can actually cause human diseases. Caused by extensive water or moisture, it can grow rapidly and develop into a health hazard if not handled by a knowledgeable company. This is especially true in Long Island and makes contacting a mold remediation Long Island Company essential for a complete mold removal Long Island cleanup.
CAUSES OF MOLD
Mold requires moisture to grow. This makes it a common problem when there is a flood, hurricane, 48 hours of leaking water in pipes or moisture leaking drainage systems. It is also commonly found on foods that are exposed to moisture in the air. Unfortunately, it is a fungus that can quickly spread indoors or out. If you suspect that you have a mold problem a company that specializes in mold testing Long Island is the one to contact.
MOLD DEVELOPMENT
Mold cannot reproduce and grow without certain factors present. With food, it requires moisture and a warm temperature. This often occurs on food left on a counter, although it will grow on refrigerated food that has been in a refrigerator for a long period of time.
Warm temperature and high humidity will encourage growth on walls, clothes, furniture and other locations. One study estimates that 70% of homes have mold in their walls. This makes it important, if there is evidence of mold, that you contact a mold testing Long Island Company for conformation and a mold remediation Long Island Company if extensive mold invasion is found.
MOLD AND HEALTH
Although studies have varied regarding the effect of mold on health, it is generally agreed that mold fungi can produce upper respiration allergies. A government study attributes 21% of the current asthma cases to dampness and mold exposure. It has also been known to, on rare occasions, cause hypersensitivity pneumonia.
Mold infections have also been known to occur with outdoor mold in areas such as the San Joaquin Valley. This makes it important, when mold is found, to contact a mold testing Long Island Company and mold remediation Long Island Company to determine the extent of the infestation.
BLACK MOLD
There are hundreds of species of mold, with black mold being prevalent. It has been identified from other mold types and is found indoors on things such as wicker, wallboard and other materials containing paper. It will not grow on glass, concrete, vinyl, metal or plastic. Black mold can only be identified by a professional mold testing Long Island Company.
Black Mold exposure is claimed to have the following symptoms:
- Eye irritation
- Nose, mouth and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Coughing
Common black mold locations are the shower, basement, and crawlspaces that have excessive moisture. It is black, greenish or grayish in color and has a distinct musty or mildew odor. After being identified, this requires the services of a mold remediation Long Island Company.
MOLD STUDIES
Extensive studies have been conducted regarding mold’s cause and effect on a person’s health. Institutions such as the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH), Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the American Association of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) are just a few who have conducted studies regarding these issues. They all recommend mold removal Long Island when there is evidence of a heavy mold invasion.
Floods and hurricanes can create extensive damage to a home. People who return to their home after such an event will find extensive mold on the walls, furniture and other belongings. This makes it imperative to contact a mold removal Long Island Company immediately. They have the expertise, equipment and materials to remove the mold and put your home back in livable order quickly and efficiently.