Mold Exposure

Advice on Mold Exposure

“Where can mold be found in the home?”  That is one of the more common mold removal FAQs that unveils shocking answers.  Mold exposure can occur anywhere in the home or office.  Mold spores, or seeds, are dispelled into the air by nearby colonies in constant search for a more suitable place to thrive and spread.  Once these spores discover a moist, dark, warm space to grow indoors, mold exposure can turn into a dangerous health risk for unsuspecting home dwellers. Health risks from mold exposure can included respiratory illness, asthmatic flair-ups, allergic reactions (like skin rashes, eye irritation, swelling of nasal and air passages), and high fevers.  Depending on the severity of mold exposure, the sensitivity of the person that has been affected, and the type of mold found in the property, mold exposure can even cause symptoms so severe that fatality can occur. Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors in healthy doses.  However, when indoor mold spore counts exponentially exceed their outdoor counterparts, indoor air quality plummets and allergic reactions become more regular and severe.  The most common types of indoor mold are:

• Black Mold (strachybotrys chartarum or strachybotrys arta)
• Penicillium
• Cladosporium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

Each type of mold is unique in toxicity level, appearance, and growth aggression.  All species of mold should be handled with the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as N95 (or better) respirator masks, goggles, gloves, boots, and coveralls.  Since mold exposure affects everyone differently, interaction with the toxic fungus should not be left to chance. When mold remediation occurs, the affected area must be properly contained to prevent cross-contamination of mold spores into other areas of the home or office.  Mold spores can spread to any area suitable for growth including basements, crawlspaces, garages, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics.  Regularly frequented spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms are not off limits.  Mold will grow on any organic, porous material.  Items like wood, drywall, carpet, padding, furniture, and even clothing can be inundated with mold exposure. Water damage is a typical reason why mold grows indoors.  However, any level of moisture can attract the toxic fungus.  Property owners should refer to mold damage tips from reputable remediation specialists to learn how to avoid mold growth in a prone area, such as dehumidification and promoting healthy air flow.

SI Restoration emergency water damage repair and mold remediation   cleanup services are available in the following Maryland areas  : 

Towson          

Pikesville 

Catonsville 

Bel Air 

Baltimore City 

Baltimore County 

Dundalk 

Essex 

Laurel 

Parkton 

Westminster 

Aberdeen 

Hyattsville 

Burtonsville 

Bowie 

Chevy Chase

Elkton 

Gaithersburg 

Rockville 
Germantown 

Hampstead 

Manchester 

Mount Airy 

Sykesville 

Takoma Park 

Upper Marlboro