Today’s airtight homes and businesses are now facing growing health concerns. Among these concerns, perhaps the biggest health hazard of all would be “Black Mold.” Although there are thousands of mold species that exist in our everyday lives, Stachybotrys tops the list of dangerous fungi when exposed to humans. Stachybotrys can be found worldwide. It can colonize and grow on any organic material such as drywall, wood, cellulose, insulation, latex paints, wallpaper and similar materials. Organic materials serve as food for mold and fungi. Mold also needs moisture and specific temperature ranges to grow and flourish. Although most often black or dark gray, Stachybotrys may also appear in a variety of different colors.

 

How do you know if you have dangerous molds in your home or business?

 

A visual discovery and/or musty odor are usually the first indicators of a potential mold problem. Mold can lurk in crawlspaces, attics, in your ductwork, and behind drywall where it can easily grow and multiply undetected. Bioaersols are airborne particulates and gases expelled by active and inactive mold colonies. Although mold spores usually cause allergic type reactions, the inhalation of these spores and/or gasses may also cause reactions such as fatigue, breathing difficulties, sneezing, headaches, watery eyes, runny nose and skin irritations.

 

Spores are the reproductive agents of the fungi plant family; they are seeds dispersed into the air we breathe. Being microscopic in size spores have no boundaries and can travel anywhere with ease. Long-term exposure may result in damage to any or all organs of the human body, including brain tissue.

 

Water Damage…

 

Other important considerations should be a history of, or recent water damage. Some examples of water damage include plumbing leaks, appliance malfunction, leaking roof systems, failing flashing, improper door and window installation, rain gutters, sewer back-up or discharge, ground water infiltration and neglected foundation repairs.

 

If Mold is found in your home or work environment, what should you do?

 

Although sight and odor are important in detection, quite often an expert needs to be contacted to assess each suspicious area. This is the job of a Certified Abatement Specialist. Similar to asbestos removal, high levels of protective equipment are necessary. Failure to follow correct procedures, including; containment construction and placement, air filtration, and possible chemical applications can result in the spread of contamination throughout the building.

 

Cleaning and/or removal of visual mold alone are not always a complete solution to the possible unseen risks associated with mold.

 

When in doubt, contact a highly experienced, knowledgeable and

Certified abatement contractor….

HASMAN RESTORATION Inc.

Proudly serving Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Wexford, Kalkaska and Antrim Counties and the Communities of Traverse City, Cadillac, Suttons Bay, Lake Leelanau, Leland, Northport, Glen Arbor, Empire, Frankfort, Kingsley, Buckley, Fife Lake, South Boardman, Kalkaska, Elk Rapids, Mancelona, Williamsburg, and all of Northwest Michigan.

 

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