MOLD-WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT ITS GROWTH

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in a storage unit in San Pedro

Mold is a type of fungi which grows in moist locations. Some mold is helpful and is used in medicines, some mold is delicious and is found in cheese or in the form of mushrooms. However, SERVPRO of Downtown Long Beach/Signal Hill knows that other types of mold can be harmful to our health.  It’s not healthy to inhale any type of mold spores, but some types of mold actually produce toxins, known as mycotoxins, that frequently cause a variety of health problems. 

Once it’s been determined that your home or business has mold that must be remediated (testing is done and a protocol is written by an environmental consulting company), SERVPRO of Downtown Long Beach/Signal Hill is there to contain the area, follow the protocol and remove the mold to ensure that you are living and working in a safe environment.

So how can we prevent the bad type of mold from growing in the first place?

Mold thrives in dark, moist areas. If your home or business has suffered a water loss remember that prompt mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth which can be visible in as little as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions. Keep in mind that mold can grow on multiple places such as ceiling tiles, wallpaper, carpets, drywall and even wood.

Responding to water damages and other water intrusions immediately can prevent mold growth in those locations. When calling SERVPRO of Downtown Long Beach/Signal Hill make sure to let them know how long this water damage could have been going on so we can inspect for mold growth as well.

Make sure to keep gutters and drains clear of debris. By keeping clear of build-up this prevents moisture from staying in the drains and will prevent mold from growing.

Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.

Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.

Having a mold issue can be dangerous to your health. Taking preventative steps to defend against mold growth is an important proactive step. When water loss occurs, prompt action and a call to  SERVPRO of Downtown Long Beach/Signal Hill at (562) 591-1788 to insure that the affected areas in your home or business is thoroughly dried and the loss is properly mitigated is key.