subject: Toxic Molds | A Hidden Real Estate Threat [print this page] Toxic Molds | A Hidden Real Estate Threat
As a home owner, you realized early on that there are many places were your home could make your life problematic. Your home should be a place where your family can live without the worry of getting sick or injured. Because of this, toxic mold is a subject that most home owners are concerned about. If you are a home owner, and want ot know more about toxic mold, you're in the right location. This article will tell you what you need to know.
The first thing to do is to determine what is meant by the term mold. Mold is a specific type of fungi that uses spores to spread throughout the environment and reproduce. Next, they land on areas that hold moisture, and begin the growth process. The fact is, that you come in contact with molds both inside and outside your home everyday without any ill effects. Mold can be found nearly everywhere that you are. This includes your office at work, the living room in your home, even the bus that you use to travel to your job in.
The label of toxic mold can be somewhat misleading. The real danger comes from the mold byproducts. The mycotoxins, as they are called are the real cause of many of the sicknesses. They are believed to trigger asthma attacks, respiratory difficulties, memory problems, and various other health concerns, even in normally healthy people. Remember, these materials are produced during the natural life cycle of the mold. If you want to remove the health threat from your home, you need to remove the source of wetness, and the mold itself.
Toxic mold is similar to other mold types. It will grow readily in moist, stagnant areas of your home. Mold has been known to be made more prevalent by such things as a bathroom with inadequate ventilation, flooding, or leaking water pipes. Mold can often be found in the exhaust fan of your clothes dryer. In general terms, if moisture exists in a certain place, you will probably witness mold.
Once the mold has been removed by a professional, it is important for you as a homeowner to do your part to discourage future mold growth. One option is to do what you can to abate the sources of wetness in your home. If you have rooms that always seem humid, consider putting in a dehumidifier. In rooms that always seem to be damp, remove the carpeting. Finishing your crawlspace or basement is another good option. Finally, consider insulating your pipes to prevent the condensation of water over time.
These are just some of the ways that you can help to keep your home free of toxic mold, and the effects that it can have on your family.
