MOLD: A Growing Problem and Major Concern

Mold is virtually inevitable if moisture and humidity problems are not controlled or corrected.

Many homes in the south east have mold growing under the home especially in the warmer months from the combination of high humidity and cold HVAC duct work in the crawl space. If you have mold removed chemically but the root cause is not corrected mold will just grow back again usually within 72 hours and the wood will continue to slowly rot from high humidity inside the crawl space. Mold can produce allergens, irritants and in some cases potentially harmful mycotoxins. These allergens and toxins can cause people to become ill. Some mold species can cause respiratory infection when live mold is introduced to the lung tissue or respiratory tract. This is usually not a significant risk for healthy people but can be dangerous for individuals with severely weakened immune systems.

The following groups of people may be at greater risk than others:
• Infants
• Young children
• The elderly
• Immune-compromised patients
• Pregnant woman
• People with respiratory issues

Where Mold Can Be Found?
Mold problems usually start when microscopic mold spores land on a moist surface. The moisture on the surface allows mold to grow and reproduce. It appears as little dark circles on thread like white objects with a moldy or musty odor and if left alone will continue to grow and multiply. Areas most likely to find mold would be damp basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, underside of damp carpets, behind vinyl wall paper, front or back sides of dry wall, inside HVAC duct work or any area that has recent water damage or intrusion.

Eliminate the Problem by:
• Removing the Food Source
• Repair any water leaks
• Replace or dry wet or damp wall board within 72 hours if affected by water
• If carpets are cleaned make sure that they are thoroughly dry
• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans
• Terminate dryer vent line to the exterior of home, not to crawl space
• Repair any damaged HVAC duct work

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Web Page on Mold

If you think that you have a mold problem either inside or under your home contact us to determine the extent of any damage or contamination.