First, let's go over a quick primer on mold. All molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and lichens, for example. The mold that is toxic to humans is uncommon in the fungi kingdom, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't harmful. However, some are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
Government experts recommend that you call a black mold removal quote huntington wv company for assistance if the smelly mold takes up more than 9 square feet. If you see mold growth, there is probably hidden mold trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to prevent the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Next, work to stop the dripping or condensation that supplied the mold in the first place. Make sure damaged roofs are no longer getting into your ceiling and stop the flow of any rainwater that has gotten into your basement. The next step is to contain the problem. You might block off the area in question with disposable tarps, for instance.
Should you get a mold mitigation company to help or can you do the cleanup by yourself? Beyond considering the magnitude of the damage, consider any exacerbating health issues that make you prone to becoming sick.
Once you've decided, there are important things to do. If you're going at it alone, start with gathering proper equipment and clothing. You'll need airtight goggles, clothes that are easy to clean and that cover your arms and legs, a mold-safe mask and mold-approved gloves that reach at least to your forearms. You will also want new disposable rags and a disposable tarp or two that can help trap the mold you get off. Experts agree that you should avoid leaving drywall that has mold on it anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Any bleach doesn't work as well other cleaners and often doesn't kill mold. Bleach is also toxic and can cause dangerous chemical fumes, particularly if it's ever mixed with ammonia-based cleaners. You can get better cleaners at most big box stores.
Chances are that if you're concerned enough about mold damage to do online research, you need a professional mold removal company. For example, don't select a mitigation service focused on humid areas.
Before you hire any company, make sure that they are licensed and registered properly and that they are approved by organizations such as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. You can also make sure the company knows and follows federal mold cleanup recommendations whether your mold is in a business or a residence.
Mold left to grow releases spores, which act like seeds and can harm your possessions rapidly. If not, harmful mold will continue to feast on your structure and can ruin your things. Some types of mold, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause sever health risks ranging from neurological damage to respiratory and mold-related illnesses and ongoing ill health. Mycotoxins can be especially harmful to infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system .
The smartest way to solve your mold problem is to get professional mold removal help. Don't delay.