As much as we all try to avoid mold in or around the house, it might be hard to learn that mold is everywhere — whether we like it or not. Believe it or not, the presence of mold isn’t the issue because it follows you everywhere you go.
The issue arises when mold spores in the air find a surface with excessive moisture because this is when the mold starts to grow. Once mold starts to grow, it won’t stop until the problem is taken care of by a professional. Even then, it’s impossible to remove it completely.
Because mold is everywhere, homeowners and business owners need to know how mold grows, where it grows, when it’s dangerous, how to detect mold, and what to do when mold growth is present.
The sooner you find quality water damage restoration in Philadelphia, the sooner you can rid your family and employees of the nasty side effects and health concerns that come from mold exposure.
Where Does Mold Grow?
Homeowners and business owners do have some good news when it comes to mold — it doesn’t just grow anywhere. The conditions need to be just right for the growth of mold to take place. Unfortunately, those conditions are rather abundant, especially inside the home.
Mold needs four major things to grow — moisture, food, oxygen, and a temperature between 40-100 degrees fahrenheit (for most molds, 60-80 degrees fahrenheit is best). Most homes rarely get below 40 degrees and rarely get above 100 degrees, so that condition is normally met.
Oxygen is everywhere, so that condition is met, as well. With moisture, it’s important to keep in mind that the surface doesn’t necessarily have to be wet. Humidity in the air could provide all the moisture mold needs to grow.
As far as food goes, mold generally feeds on the material it grows on, which is why it only grows on organic material like wood or drywall. Once the mold secretes a digestive enzyme, it breaks down the material and makes nutrients available, which it then consumes so it can grow.
As it grows, mold can also spread when tiny mold spores are picked up by the wind or by running water. Once the spores find a surface with the oxygen, moisture, food, and the right temperature, it’ll start to grow on that surface.
How Dangerous Is Mold?
Like we mentioned above, mold is everywhere. In small amounts, mold presents no harm to human life and our surroundings. The problems arise when mold levels become excessive and start to take control of the area.
That’s when mold becomes dangerous — not just to the surface it’s attached to, but to your family’s physical health. It can lead to a stuffy nose, wheezing, itchy eyes or skin, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
With the amount of humidity and rain we see in Philadelphia, mold is always something you need to keep an eye on before it’s too late. That’s why you need quality mold remediation Philadelphia residents trust when they detect or suspect mold growth inside their home or business.
Don’t worry, Priority Restoration is here to save the day. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us when you suspect a mold issue and we’ll send someone out to you immediately. We can’t wait to help you better manage and control the mold in your home or business.
