At MOLD INSPECTION ILLINOIS, we aim to assist homeowners in finding the best remediation technician for their mold problem. Although there is a vast quantity of information on the internet concerning mold and mold remediation, much of it is rarely pertinent or helpful to homeowners. Our MOLD FACTS will provide you with an all-encompassing crash-course in mold.

MOLD FACTS

1) Mold may be found anywhere, on virtually any substance.

2) The key to preventing mold growth is moisture control. Reduce condensation on cold surfaces by installing insulation, avoid installing carpets near areas with condensation, increase ventilation in your bathroom and other moisture-generating areas, use a de-humidifier, and have your HVAC checked regularly.

3) Mold “removal” is impossible – there is no way to eliminate all mold spores and mold from any indoor environment. Mold remediation attempts to eliminate as many spores as possible from the environment, and then employs moisture control in order to prevent future growth of mold.

4) There are a variety of health effects and symptoms that are associated with prolonged exposure to toxic mold, including asthma, allergic reactions, fever, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, skin irritation and redness of the eyes. It is argued that the mold Stachybotrys chartarum, or “Black Mold” causes memory loss, lethargy, black tongue, severe flu like symptoms and even death; however, such claims have not been definitively proven.

5) Mold growth can begin to grow as soon as 48 hours after water damage occurs. This means that it is crucial that you clean up any water damage as quickly as possible!

6) There are more than 100,000 species of mold.

7) There are no set standards for what is an “acceptable level” of mold. Different types of mold vary in ability when it comes to the production of allergy or illness, and people vary in susceptibility.

8) Hidden mold can frequently cause a smelly or “musty” odor in a home.

9) If mold growth is left unaddressed it can render a home unlivable.

10) Mold is more common in places with high precipitation or warm, humid climates. 

11) Black mold can cause health problems in pets, too! If you believe you have mold in your home, make sure to keep pets away from any problems areas.

12) Humidifiers can be problematic areas for mold. Make sure to clean and change the water in your humidifier frequently!

13) Like mushrooms, molds are members of the fungi kingdom. 

14) There are four key requirements for mold growth: available mold spores, appropriate temperatures, available mold food and substantial moisture.

15) Do you have mold but your landlord doesn’t seem to care? Contact your local board of health or housing authority.

16) Outdoors, molds play an important role in breaking down dead, organic matter like fallen leaves and dead trees.

17) Bleach does not effectively kill mold and can be dangerous to use because of its corrosive nature. Only the products used by trained mold remediation technicians can kill the roots of molds or molds on porous surfaces.

18) Molds reproduce by releasing microscopic spores that float around until they discover a habitable surface.

19) There are no guidelines, state or federal, that specify what constitutes an unsafe level of mold. For this reason, many office buildings, schools, and other public environments fail to have mold remediated before it reaches a level that poses a threat to humans.

20) Little amounts of mold are in every single breath that you take. Only sterilized areas like you would find in a hospital are mold-free.

Still have questions about mold? Never-fear. Our Illinois mold inspection technicians will be ready to answer your call, 24/7. Their vast quantity of information about mold, Illinois mold inspection, and Illinois mold removal makes them equipped to not only answer your questions, but also allows them to give you specific advice, tailored to your situation. Find an inspector today!