Record rainfall amounts across the Midwestern United States combined with numerous 100 degree plus days has resulted in one of the highest mold counts in recent memory. The problem has been so bad that it has skated right up to the border of triggering an air pollution warning.
The mold count for July 27 was 30,000, just 10,000 shy of the level required to issue an air pollution notice, according to a spokesperson for the National Allergy Bureau.
The problem is of course the record rainfall and flooding that has plagued much of the Midwest during the last couple of months. Mold can grow anywhere there is sufficient moisture, and adding the record temps to the equation only exacerbates the problem, almost exponentially.
The biggest problem with mold is that many people do not realize they have a problem until physical symptoms become apparent. Mold symptoms may start out as mild allergic problems such as runny nose, watery eyes, or congestion, and if the exposure is long enough or in high enough concentrations, more serious issues such as neurological and respiratory problems may result.
The National Allergy Bureau addresses the problem of mold directly, calling some homes “pure poison” for anyone with a breathing condition. All soaked drywall must be cut out and removed as well as carpets, tile, cardboard boxes and the like to prevent mold.
One of the truly odd aspects of mold is that water is both the cause and the cure for mold problems. Moisture provides the perfect environment for it to grow, but in order to get rid of it, the affected area must be cleaned thoroughly, and ventilation increased to cut down on moisture levels and make the area inhospitable for mold spores. Dehumidifiers may be used to decrease humidity levels. Ideally, the humidity in your home should be kept under 50% to avoid potential mold issues.
Black mold is easily the worst of the worst, and can cause far more serious medical conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even memory loss. People suffering from asthma or other breathing conditions are especially susceptible.
Many people spent a lot of money to have their homes tested for mold when it isn’t really necessary. Mold usually makes its presence well known, either visually as a fuzzy, greenish-black growth on pipes or walls, or through a noxious smell, and often through both. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, chances are that you do.
Bear in mind that mold is the most common and dangerous after effect of water damage. It can appear in as little as 48 hours, or sooner if the flood waters are sewage based, spread like wildfire, and prove extremely difficult to remediate. While smaller growths may be successfully remediated by homeowners, larger growths pose an active health threat and will require professional treatment to take care of properly.
Water Damage Local.com is the one stop shop for all things water damage, including mold. Our professional providers are IICRC certified and offer a full range of services designed to handle all of your water extraction and mold removal needs. They are available 24/7 and can have someone to your home within an hour of your call to make a proper assessment of the problem and being the restoration process.
Don’t wait….call the pros at Water Damage Local.com today.
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