Mold is a growing problem in the United States, with an estimated 1.5 million homes and commercial buildings suffering from water damage each year due to flooding or leaking roofs and pipes and mold growth resulting from higher humidity levels. Mold can be especially problematic for individuals who have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory illnesses, as exposure to spores can cause serious healtfh problems. Many homeowners need to learn how to properly identify or safely remove mold from their homes, leaving them vulnerable to further damage down the road.
Unfortunately, removing a visible patch of mold does not guarantee that it won’t return in the future; this is often referred to as “failed remediation.” To prevent it from returning, one must address the cause of mold growth and take steps to reduce humidity levels in the home. This could mean installing a dehumidifier and sealing up any cracks or crevices that may be allowing moisture into the house.
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What’s not Killing Mold? Simple Remediation Techniques
Simple mold remediation techniques, such as scrubbing and cleaning the affected area with a bleach or fungicide solution, are effective ways to remove mold from your home. However, these methods are often only successful in removing visible patches of mold; they do not address the underlying causes that led to its growth in the first place. Without addressing the root cause of the problem (such as high humidity or moisture levels), the mold will often return within weeks or even days after it has been removed.
Furthermore, only surface-level removal is attempted without completely removing all traces of the spores and treating any damaged areas beneath them. In that case, new colonies can quickly form on top of their predecessors. This leads to increased exposure for occupants, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.
It is important to understand that simple remedies such as cleaning and scrubbing are not enough to eradicate mold growth in the home. To be effective, one must identify and address the underlying causes of moisture accumulation, drying out any wet material and ensuring that all traces of spores have been properly removed and treated before attempting to repaint or seal up any damaged surfaces.
What Doesn’t Kill the Mold makes it Stronger?
The mold that returns following remediation can be particularly stubborn and persistent, as it has had time to become ‘stronger.’ Studies have shown that mold colonies exposed to multiple remediation attempts may become more resistant than their predecessors due to the accumulation of mutations which increase their resistance to cleaning agents and other techniques used for eradication.
One study found that Stachybotrys chartarum spores increased viability after repeated exposure to hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite cleansers. This indicates that these mutated spores were more resilient against the environmental conditions created by cleaning agents than those from the original infestation.
Another research paper examined how Aspergillus versicolor spores could survive a combination of sodium hypochlorite and antifungal agents like miconazole. The researchers found that the exposure to these agents caused an increase in the spore’s tolerance against the cleaning products, allowing them to survive longer.
Remediations performed by inexperienced technicians or those who need access to the proper equipment can also lead to repeat infestations and stronger mold colonies. As such, homeowners or property owners must seek experienced professionals when attempting mold remediation. Taking this step can help reduce the risks associated with repeat infestations and ensure that any new colonies are dealt with quickly and effectively.
Finding the Right Guys:
Finding a quality remediation expert is essential to successfully and safely remove mold from your home. It is important to research the different mold removal services available in your area and choose one with experience with similar projects and a proven track record of successful outcomes.
When selecting a remediation specialist, ask questions such as: What levels of certifications do they have? Have they been trained to handle hazardous materials? What safety protocols are in place for the project? Do they use the latest equipment and techniques for their work? Are there any guarantees about their results? How long will it take for them to complete the job?
A quality remediation expert should also be able to provide references from past clients who can speak to the quality of their work. In addition, they should be able to explain all relevant safety protocols that should be followed during and after the project. It is also important to ask about any warranties or guarantees on their services and ensure you are fully aware of the costs associated with the job before signing an agreement.
When tackling a mold infestation, the right remediation expert can make all the difference. Researching and finding a specialist who is knowledgeable and experienced in handling your specific type of project is essential for a successful result. Doing so will help remove all traces of mold, preventing future outbreaks and avoiding any related health risks.
