Although the family of fungi commonly called mold performs the environmentally useful task of devouring decaying organic material, it is rarely welcome inside a home. The microscopic spores it produces exist literally everywhere, with the highest concentrations outdoors. When indoor conditions are favorable the population explodes, covering walls or ceilings with dark, moist, spreading blotches. Basement mold removal is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also as a protective measure.
People recognize the value of the ecological niche that mold inhabits, but are also aware of the potential health threats it can produce. The fungus normally thrives in warm, dark spaces containing enough organic food sources for survival. When oxygen and water are also available in sufficient quantities, rapid reproduction occurs, and the colony becomes easily visible in less than two days.
While visible growth is no reason to panic, some varieties are actually considered toxic. Healthy individuals may notice mild congestion or other symptoms similar to a cold, but people with compromised immune systems, as well as the very young or old, can suffer much more serious consequences. Wheezing, irritated areas of skin, shortness of breath, and even fungal lung infections have been reported.
These and related physical reactions do not disappear until the colony is disrupted, a task that includes finding and removing all moisture sources. The materials commonly used in construction can become an ideal food source, including fabrics, wall paper, wood, and accumulated dust. Water is the key element in any infestation. It can come from the air, leaking pipes, or poor external drainage.
Humidity in some regions is high naturally, and a sluggish indoor air circulation may add to the problem. Mechanical dehumidifiers are helpful in some cases, and many do more than lower the moisture content of air. They also filter particulate matter including spores and pollen, as well as other common airborne pollutants. Although helpful, they cannot solve the problem alone.
Openings or leaks in ceilings and walls must be discovered and repaired, especially in rooms beneath ground level. In some cases, water heaters or other appliances located in basements consistently leak enough water to actually increase average humidity to the ideal growth level of 60 percent. Improperly ventilated basement bathrooms or showers also encourage residual moisture. Unless permanently corrected, the problem will always return.
In mild cases, cleanup can be an achievable do-it-yourself project. Bleach or commercially sold formulas are helpful in removing most visual signs, but many experts stress that removing and replacing affected building materials is a better, longer-lasting solution. Basement infestations tend to spread upward, and colonies that are not completely disrupted will silently spread into other parts of the home.
If the problem becomes too much to handle alone, hiring a remediation team may be the best solution. Their thorough efforts stops growth immediately, but may need to be followed up with an inspection performed by a specialized basement contractor who can recommend long-term solutions proven effective locally. The presence of this fungus is not only a health hazard, but can also affect the value of a home at resale time.
People recognize the value of the ecological niche that mold inhabits, but are also aware of the potential health threats it can produce. The fungus normally thrives in warm, dark spaces containing enough organic food sources for survival. When oxygen and water are also available in sufficient quantities, rapid reproduction occurs, and the colony becomes easily visible in less than two days.
While visible growth is no reason to panic, some varieties are actually considered toxic. Healthy individuals may notice mild congestion or other symptoms similar to a cold, but people with compromised immune systems, as well as the very young or old, can suffer much more serious consequences. Wheezing, irritated areas of skin, shortness of breath, and even fungal lung infections have been reported.
These and related physical reactions do not disappear until the colony is disrupted, a task that includes finding and removing all moisture sources. The materials commonly used in construction can become an ideal food source, including fabrics, wall paper, wood, and accumulated dust. Water is the key element in any infestation. It can come from the air, leaking pipes, or poor external drainage.
Humidity in some regions is high naturally, and a sluggish indoor air circulation may add to the problem. Mechanical dehumidifiers are helpful in some cases, and many do more than lower the moisture content of air. They also filter particulate matter including spores and pollen, as well as other common airborne pollutants. Although helpful, they cannot solve the problem alone.
Openings or leaks in ceilings and walls must be discovered and repaired, especially in rooms beneath ground level. In some cases, water heaters or other appliances located in basements consistently leak enough water to actually increase average humidity to the ideal growth level of 60 percent. Improperly ventilated basement bathrooms or showers also encourage residual moisture. Unless permanently corrected, the problem will always return.
In mild cases, cleanup can be an achievable do-it-yourself project. Bleach or commercially sold formulas are helpful in removing most visual signs, but many experts stress that removing and replacing affected building materials is a better, longer-lasting solution. Basement infestations tend to spread upward, and colonies that are not completely disrupted will silently spread into other parts of the home.
If the problem becomes too much to handle alone, hiring a remediation team may be the best solution. Their thorough efforts stops growth immediately, but may need to be followed up with an inspection performed by a specialized basement contractor who can recommend long-term solutions proven effective locally. The presence of this fungus is not only a health hazard, but can also affect the value of a home at resale time.
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