subject: Mold Abatement Vancouver: Is Mold Toxic, Or Just A Nuisance? [print this page] Vancouver Mold Abatement: Is Mold Toxic or Just a Nuisance?
There are many opinions about mold and its potential to harm humans, animals and homes. Some of these are based on real knowledge while others are based on rumours, half truths and outright fallacies. The main thing to remember when you find it in your Vancouver home is that you need a mold clean up, the sooner the better.
There are thousands of kinds of mold and about 150 varieties that may invade your home. Some are toxic and some are merely ugly. They are all fungi that grow by sending infinitesimal spores into the air. When the spores land on moist objects, they grow. Many are simply incredibly unsightly while others are highly toxic. Both can cause illness but a toxic mold can cause very serious health issues.
While non-toxic mold can cause problems for people in Vancouver with respiratory problems, toxic varieties produce mycotoxins which can harm otherwise healthy individuals. Babies and the elderly are particularly susceptible to mycotoxins.
Symptoms of health issues associated with mold can range from a runny nose to acute lung infections. It is not unusual for people who live in Vancouver homes with mold to have a mixed bag of symptoms from headaches to skin rashes. In its most toxic form, repeated or prolonged exposure can even cause death.
Unfortunately, mold spores are invisible until they begin to grow. By the time we can see them they have often already caused health problems or home damage. Rather than take a chance, it's a good idea to do a mold clean up as soon as you know the mold is present. You can attempt this yourself but to be on the safe side, it is probably better to call in a mold remediator to get rid of the problem.
Mold abatement experts are often the same professionals who remove asbestos, lead paint and other toxic substances from buildings. They are well qualified to remove all traces of the mold and sterilize the area to ward off future mold formation. They will also recommend (and sometimes even perform) home repairs that will remove the cause of the mold.
