Got Mold?

Let’s talk about something that no one likes to see but everyone should know about: mold. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist, warm environments. Mold is not only a mess, but it can also pose serious health risks. If you didn’t know already, mold is naturally present in our environment and around you, but it only becomes problematic if it is a specific type. We see mold on food in the refrigerator, outside on decaying leaves or grass clippings. But the most dangerous type of mold that you would find, maybe after a flood in your basement or a pipe burst, is black mold called Stachybotrys Chartarum. Let’s dive into what causes mold, mold statistics and facts and the best products to use to deal with mold.

What Causes Mold?

Mold can be caused by moisture and poor ventilation. In order for mold to grow it needs water. Mold can grow in a number of circumstances. Mold can grow with leaks in pipes, roofs, or windows, or when a flood occurs. Mold also grows on ceilingtiles, wood, paper, and cardboard.When too much moisture or water collects indoors, mold often grows, especially if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unresolved.

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Mold Statistics and Facts

  • The global Mold Remediation Service market is projected to reach US$ 1550.7 million in 2029, increasing from US$ 1195.2 million in 2022.
  • Approximately 70% of homes have some kind of mold in them.
  • At least 45 million buildings in the United States have unhealthy levels of mold.
  • Maintaining humidity levels below 50% can prevent mold growth.
  • Mold forms within 24-48 hours after there is water damage.
  • One study found that individuals who lived in mold-infested homes were 40% most likely to develop asthma.
  • It is estimated that up to 30% of the U.S. population may be allergic to mold.
  • Indoor air pollution causes 4.3 million deaths per year worldwide, estimated by The World Health Organization.
  • The estimated annual cost of mold-related property damage in the United States is approximately $3 billion per year.
  • Mold destroys more wood than all fires and termites combined.
  • Mold issues can cause home resale values to drop 20-37%.

Mold Remediation and Restoration (This varies depending on the situation)

Assess the Situation:

First, figure out how bad the mold problem is. Where is it? How much is there? And most importantly, where is the moisture coming from? This will allow you to take the best course of action and devise a plan. If the mold area is less than about 10 square feet, in most cases you can handle it yourself, otherwise, you should hire a contractor or other professional service provider.

Containment and PPE:

It is very important to contain the affected area to prevent the spread of mold spore to other parts of the building or home. Plastic sheeting can be used to seal off any doors and vents. It is also important to wear the appropriate protective gear. Inhaling mold is very dangerous and can be a serious health risk. At a minimum, you should be wearing booties, goggles, and a respirator mask.

Air Filtration:

Using air filtration cleans the air of mold spores and contaminants. HEPA Filters in air scrubbers are important because they capture the airborne mold spores. Also, maintaining negative air pressure using a Negative Air Machine keeps the spores from spreading. You should use a HEPA vacuum to remove mold spores from surfaces and clean all items in the affected area. Another important product is a Cassette. A cassette will capture the spores and particles and sample them. Afterwards, the cassettes are sent to a laboratory, where the slides are removed and direct microsopic analysis can be immediately performed to determine what type of mold.

Disinfecting:

You can disinfect and kill the mold without having to completely remove what’s infected. Spray the disinfectant on the wall and scrub it. This will kill the mold. After that, use water to wipeitdown.

Here are our recommended disinfectants:

Fiberlock - Shockwave RTU - Disinfectant & Cleaner

Contec Citric Acid Disinfectant Spray Bottle

Foster® First Defense™ 40-80 Disinfectant

The next thing is to paint the area with a mold resistant coating in

order to prevent mold growth.

Here are our recommended coatings:

Fiberlock IAQ 6100 Mold Resistant Coating Clear 5 Gallon - CHE2002

Fiberlock IAQ 6000 Mold Resistant Coating White 5 Gallon - CHE2000

 

Removing the Affected Materials and Cleaning (if the situation calls for removal):

Clean with specialized mold removal products, ensuring thorough scrubbing and disinfecting. The materials that are affected with the mold are carpeting, drywall, insulation, etc. If these materials cannot be adequately cleaned, they are packed, sealed and disposed of appropriately. Remove all protective gear outside the disposal of the gear in the trash. Wash your hands!

Texas Mold Case

In 1999, Melinda Ballard and her family discovered extensive mold damage in their home, which they believed was caused by water leaks. Melinda and her family lived in a large home in Dripping Springs, Texas. The family reported various health problems, including respiratory issues, which they attributed to mold exposure. Ballard filled a lawsuit against Farmers Insurance Group, alleging that the company mishandled their claim for water damage and subsequent mold growth. This case brought significant public attention to the issue of mold in homes and the potential health risks associated with it. The lawsuit being high-profile led to changes in how insurance companies handle mold claims and contributed to the development of new policies and coverage limits for mold-related damage.

To find out more information, visit https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2003-03-21/150675/

Our products in this picture are: 6 Mil Poly Sheeting, Coveralls, Gloves, Full Face Respirator, Red Polyethylene Tape, and Yellow Polyethlene Tape. Click on the product name to visit the product on our website!