The group of fungi popularly called mold naturally clean up decaying organic material present in every ecosystem, but are not welcome inside homes. The spores this life form generates can be found everywhere, especially outdoors. When the right conditions exist indoors, populations explode exponentially, staining ceilings and walls with moist, dark, spreading discolorations. Basement mold removal is not only an aesthetic improvement, but also a protective health measure.
People recognize the value of the ecological niche that mold inhabits, but are also aware of the potential health threats it can produce. The fungus normally thrives in warm, dark spaces containing enough organic food sources for survival. When oxygen and water are also available in sufficient quantities, rapid reproduction occurs, and the colony becomes easily visible in less than two days.
While the sight of new growth is not a reason for panic, some types are actually toxic. Others commonly cause symptoms similar to a common cold, including mild congestion, and are generally not a serious threat except to infants and the elderly population, as well as people with compromised immune systems. In more serious cases people report skin irritation, trouble breathing, wheezing, and even lung infections.
These distressing symptoms will not disappear until the population is controlled and eliminated, a process involving discovering and removing all moisture sources. Buildings normally are a fungal smorgasbord of edible wall paper, woods, fabric, and dust. When sufficient water is added, growth becomes very difficult to control. Moisture can come from slowly leaking appliances, pipes, or even poor external drainage.
Natural humidity is very high in many locations, and sluggish or poor circulation exacerbates the issue. In some instances the use of electrical dehumidifiers can be helpful, and most models do more than remove atmospheric moisture. They also filter out small particulates such as pollen, in addition to other non-organic pollutants. While helpful, they cannot completely solve the problem.
Small openings in the walls or ceilings, especially in rooms below ground level, must be found and patched. Water heaters housed in basements are commonly plagued by low-intensity leaks that raise consistent humidity over 60 percent, ideal for growth. Basement bathrooms with showers may not be properly ventilated, allowing moisture to stand. Unless these and similar water sources are addressed, the problem will return.
Cleaning up mild infestations can become a do-it-yourself job, and commercial formulas or bleaches help finish the task. A long-term mold problem may not respond well to cleaning alone, and some experts stress that replacement of all affected materials provides a better, longer-lasting solution. Because growth often inches upward from the basement, removing food and water sources permanently prevents that silent spread.
If the problem becomes too much to handle alone, hiring a remediation team may be the best solution. Their thorough efforts stops growth immediately, but may need to be followed up with an inspection performed by a specialized basement contractor who can recommend long-term solutions proven effective locally. The presence of this fungus is not only a health hazard, but can also affect the value of a home at resale time.
People recognize the value of the ecological niche that mold inhabits, but are also aware of the potential health threats it can produce. The fungus normally thrives in warm, dark spaces containing enough organic food sources for survival. When oxygen and water are also available in sufficient quantities, rapid reproduction occurs, and the colony becomes easily visible in less than two days.
While the sight of new growth is not a reason for panic, some types are actually toxic. Others commonly cause symptoms similar to a common cold, including mild congestion, and are generally not a serious threat except to infants and the elderly population, as well as people with compromised immune systems. In more serious cases people report skin irritation, trouble breathing, wheezing, and even lung infections.
These distressing symptoms will not disappear until the population is controlled and eliminated, a process involving discovering and removing all moisture sources. Buildings normally are a fungal smorgasbord of edible wall paper, woods, fabric, and dust. When sufficient water is added, growth becomes very difficult to control. Moisture can come from slowly leaking appliances, pipes, or even poor external drainage.
Natural humidity is very high in many locations, and sluggish or poor circulation exacerbates the issue. In some instances the use of electrical dehumidifiers can be helpful, and most models do more than remove atmospheric moisture. They also filter out small particulates such as pollen, in addition to other non-organic pollutants. While helpful, they cannot completely solve the problem.
Small openings in the walls or ceilings, especially in rooms below ground level, must be found and patched. Water heaters housed in basements are commonly plagued by low-intensity leaks that raise consistent humidity over 60 percent, ideal for growth. Basement bathrooms with showers may not be properly ventilated, allowing moisture to stand. Unless these and similar water sources are addressed, the problem will return.
Cleaning up mild infestations can become a do-it-yourself job, and commercial formulas or bleaches help finish the task. A long-term mold problem may not respond well to cleaning alone, and some experts stress that replacement of all affected materials provides a better, longer-lasting solution. Because growth often inches upward from the basement, removing food and water sources permanently prevents that silent spread.
If the problem becomes too much to handle alone, hiring a remediation team may be the best solution. Their thorough efforts stops growth immediately, but may need to be followed up with an inspection performed by a specialized basement contractor who can recommend long-term solutions proven effective locally. The presence of this fungus is not only a health hazard, but can also affect the value of a home at resale time.
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