Mold: The hidden enemy after a flood or water damage
Molds and mildew belong to the family of microscopic or tiny organisms, also known as fungus or fungi, that are often hidden from the eye. While some molds are necessary for the environment - for the decay of plant matter like leaves and organic matter to create humus, some molds are harmful and detrimental to the health of humans because they cause disease. They can latch onto any damp object and grow or multiply exponentially, causing destruction, decay, and unnecessary damage. But if attended to quickly and efficiently, the damage may be minimized. A tiny damp patch on a wall could lead to a widespread growth of mold, causing disease and severe issues if left unattended. Call the Water Extraction Team (WET) to check on a wet patch on the wall or after an incident of flooding or water damage to assess the situation and take necessary steps to secure your home or office.
Mold is microscopic and often hidden from the naked eye. It spreads and grows through spores. Spores are minuscule particles like seeds or pollen that can transport themselves through the air. They grow and thrive in moist environments and can attach themselves to practically any surface that is moist - food, cloth, wood, tile, wall, drywall, pipes, and plants. One of the most common breeding grounds for mold is in moist sponges and carpets. So in case of a flood, it would be a good idea to throw away wet carpets or rugs before calling a professional water restoration company to clean up your home or commercial property.
What are the ill effects of mold?
It takes as little as 24 to 48 hours for mold to grow on a damp surface. Mold can start to form and grow even before the water from a flood recedes. It can cause mild to severe health problems in humans, particularly those with weak or compromised immune systems. One of the first signs of mold is visible patches and a musty or foul smell. Mold can weaken the structure by rotting the wood. It can also damage the wall and the in-between spaces making it dangerous for people to continue using the premises without bringing in a water mitigation specialist to assess and fix the damage. But even more worrisome is the havoc it can play on people’s health. Molds are known allergens causing asthma, skin diseases, eye infections, lung infections, and chest infections. They can aggravate many issues in the elderly and children. Stachybotrys atra is a mold that can lead to severe health issues. It is slimy,
the greenish-black mold that is very toxic and can cause severe disease.
Getting WET to clear the mess
Hurricanes like Katrina have caused extensive damage and destruction long after the waters receded. They left behind excessive mold infestation, which could not be treated immediately as the water did not recede in some places for more than 48 hours. The dampness and moisture were open invitations to mold. While there are ways to clean up mold, e.g., with bleach and other chemicals, it is best to leave the job to water damage restoration experts and not leave anything to chance! The Water Extraction Team is available 24x7 for all emergencies and to maintain your home or commercial property even after restoration has been completed. They are also great at preventing damages and can provide a comprehensive disaster management plan that will protect your property from any possible damage by planning. Call on (440) 953-0767 today for your customized disaster management/ restoration/ prevention plan.
