It may be time to call in the experts in mold remediation if you've experienced: Allergy or flu-like symptoms that come when you're at home and go when you're out. A musty or damp smell inside your home. Water damage from a recent flood or plumbing leak.
If you do have asthma or other breathing problems, and you suspect you have an allergy to mold, contact your provider. If you have any type of severe breathing problem, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
It can also create a health hazard in your home, especially for the elderly, small children, or those prone to allergic reactions. Thus, ridding your premises of unwanted mold growth is an urgent matter, a true “mold emergency.”
To sum up the blog post, we recommend that you do not sleep with mould in your room. It can be dangerous to your health, and is not worth the risk!
Toxic black mold growth has a more potent and identifiable smell, like the smell of decay, wet soil, or rot. Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew.
It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Mould thrives in damp areas such as windows, where there is dust, dirt or organic material, that's why the number one way to reduce mould is to open your windows regularly. By opening the windows at least once a day, this allows the mould spores to escape and lets patches of moisture dry out.
Treatment for Mold Exposure
A doctor will be able to determine whether mold exposure is indeed causing your allergic reactions or if it's likely that another health condition is responsible. For mold allergies, treatments usually include nasal corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants.
The term “maintenance emergency” is something that requires immediate attention. If left unresolved, the problem could result in injury, threaten one's health, or cause serious property damage. For example, a suspected gas leak is always an emergency.
As a homeowner who is eligible for FEMA assistance, you may receive funds to remove disaster-caused mold damage as part of your Home Repair Assistance award. For information about mold cleanup from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit CDC.gov/mold/cleanup.
According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.
Mold is an environmental hazard that can cause serious health problems if left untreated, especially for individuals who have an autoimmune disorder or weakened immune system. Not only that, but it only takes mold 24 to 48 hours to grow and spread. So, you must address any mold problems as soon as possible.
Although the name implies a uniform coloring, black mold may appear black, dark green, or dark brown. It typically grows as a cluster of round spots with a distinctly wet, slimy appearance. As stated, black mold typically appears fuzzy or furry.
Tests used to identify an allergy include: Skin prick test. This test uses diluted amounts of common or suspected allergens, such as molds found in the local area. During the test, these substances are applied to the skin of your arm or back with tiny punctures.
1. Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
If an inspector finds mold damage in the home you want to buy, ask the sellers to hire a remediation expert to resolve the problem. If the sellers refuse, consider walking away. The expense of paying for mold remediation could quickly drain your savings.
If there is a covered condition that the homeowner's insurance policy covers that causes mold, then the insurance company will cover mold remediation. Excess water from a natural cause like a roof leaking after a rain storm is usually covered by a homeowners insurance policy.
Because of the risks that come with mold exposure, it can be unsafe to sleep in a house with mold, particularly in the affected areas because you put yourself at risk of mold allergies. This becomes especially concerning if you are sensitive to the mold. When mold grows indoors, it can often be found in the bathroom.
Most mold removal professionals charge around $10 to $25 per square foot. So, if you're removing mold from a 100-square-foot area, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,500. But factors like where the growth is and the mold type can affect how much it costs to remove it.
All affected areas should be cleaned first with an all-purpose cleaner and a bristle brush. You can then spray the area with a liquid biocide, or white vinegar. This is a chemical solution that kills the mold spores. A bleach solution is not recommended for cleaning, as it does not effectively kill all the mold.
Dwelling coverage, on your condo or homeowners policy, may pay to repair or replace your floors and carpet if they're damaged by a covered peril. For instance, if your home's floors are damaged in a fire, your home insurance may pay for new flooring, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.