subject: Basics Of Mold Explained For Maryland Residents [print this page] Mold growth is a nuisance that troubles homeowners and commercial facility owners alike. The residents of Maryland deal with this problem quite often. If you have seen those ugly green/black spores for the first time please read on to become educated and know the type solutions available.
The western region of the Maryland state bordering Washington D.C. has a humid continental climate ideal for mold growth. Mold grows on, food, clothes, furniture, walls of buildings. and even plants; mold has the capability to basically grow on anything. The main reason behind mold growth is moisture, if it is humid and hot, mold will be able to grow rapidly. What is mold anyway? Mold is a type of fungus that grows on dead organic matter everywhere in nature. The fungi are always present, traveling in the air, and only then become visible to human eye when forming mold colonies. Usually one sees dark green colored mold colonies, but black mold is another fairly common occurrence but is more dangerous to humans. With the right moisture and temperature mold can spread in a 10cm squared area within 24 hours.
As mentioned before, mold needs moisture to grow. So if the walls of your home are damp, then it's very plausible that it may lead to mold growth. Water damage to a house due to rain, flooding or storms leaves the walls and the entire building wet, as water seeps into the walls it generates the perfect environment for fungi growth. You can spot water seepage by noting the water stains or discoloration on walls, floors or ceilings in your house. There is a very likely chance that mold may be growing within or behind the material if there is noticeable seepage.
To spot mold growth, look for moisture affected walls. They can have surface abnormalities like peeling, bubbling or cracking of the paint or wallpaper. In the case of excessive moisture, the walls will seem bulging or warped indicating that they are holding water inside. In all probability, mold will grow anytime on these areas or is already present behind the walls.
Maryland residents must make a note that not only is mold unsightly; it is very harmful for the buildings occupants. People living in mold-affected areas suffer from allergies and reactions due to the allergens produced by mold. Mold induced allergies is quite common and can easily affect the lives of children, sensitive adults and even pets. Those suffering from mold allergies exhibit symptoms such as watery, itchy eyes, chronic cough, and headaches or migraines. Asthma patients need to be removed from mold-affected areas immediately, as the allergens can easily aggravate the asthmatic condition causing acute distress to the person. Some advanced symptoms that may need immediate medical attention include: rashes, fatigue, sinus, breathing difficulties, nasal blockage and frequent sneezing. Remember to note that if you suffer from neurological symptoms such as headaches, trouble concentrating, shortened attention span, memory loss and dizziness, then it is quite possible that you are in the vicinity of toxic mold growth, which is endangering your health.
There are toxic molds like Stachybotrys chartarum, which produces mycotoxins. These mycotoxins cause severe allergic symptoms as opposed to other non-toxic molds. If you are exposed to mycotoxins for a long duration, then you may develop complicated neurological conditions.
That is why it is important to suspend and terminate mold growth by restoring damage caused by water. Maryland has many restoration experts that are very efficient in dealing with water damage Bethesda, Chantilly, Reston & Manassas residents should get their homes restored by the best in the industry.
