Mold is all around us. We encounter it everyday, outside as well as in. It is a vital part of our lives and environment. Many of us have forgotten that without mold we would not have many of the medicines and antibiotics we have today, not to mention many of our different foods.
There are approximately 100 different “common” molds that we encounter. About 5% of us have allergic reactions to them. Excessive conditions are conducive to the production of mold. Dampness, oxygen, darkness and food all contribute to the production of mold. Above normal dampness in a dark area that cannot easily dry out or has little ventilation could produce an unwanted situation.
The presence of mold will lead to deterioration of the structure, flooring or walls. Depending on the type of mold present, it may lead to adverse health concerns including allergies, asthma and possibly more serious health conditions. Currently, there are no government-regulated standards for safe or unsafe levels of mold or exposure to molds. Mold can affect all people differently. If mold is discovered in a building and is suspected of being an issue, it should be immediately dealt with.
If
you are concerned about mold in the home, you may consider calling someone for
testing several samples throughout the building. The type of sampling required
will be determined by: the area of concern, accessibility and mold type. Testing
may not be necessary at all. But, there are several advantages testing can have
including: establishing a baseline for comparison if remediation is required,
confirming a possible link to other health issues, identifying and determining
the type, its potential
health and safety risks, determining the viability and even provide evidence in
legal cases.
Here
are some mold related web links that you may be interested in.
