Mold Removal Bronx NY is the process of cleaning a contaminated area and addressing any issues that contributed to the growth, like excess moisture. To do so, you’ll need a few supplies, including an N95 mask, personal protective equipment, and cleaning items.
While the immune system can handle a number of mold spores throughout the day, an overabundance can cause symptoms.
Mold is a type of fungus that can be found in both indoor and outdoor environments. Spores of mold are dispersed in the air and can be breathed in or can attach to people and pets, where they can irritate the body and trigger allergies. People with sensitive immune systems can suffer severe health effects from repeated exposure to mold.
Molds prefer moist and dark areas to grow, such as inside homes and businesses. There are many reasons why a building can get moldy, including a leak in the basement, a damp attic or roof, improper ventilation and overly humid conditions. Even everyday activities such as drying laundry, taking a hot shower or cooking can produce enough moisture to foster mold growth.
When a person is exposed to mold spores, the spores can cause an allergic reaction in the nose, eyes and throat. This is similar to an allergy to other common substances such as pet dander and dust mites. These reactions can range from itchy skin to severe breathing problems.
Some types of mold, such as Stachybotrys and Aspergillus, can produce toxins known as mycotoxins when exposed to certain environmental conditions. These toxins can affect the circulatory system and can cause poor blood circulation that leads to various diseases.
If a person is experiencing health problems, it’s important to contact a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. A doctor will likely take a family history of health issues, perform a physical exam and possibly order an imaging test or laboratory testing to determine the root cause of the problem.
It’s also important to note that there is no definitive test for mold allergy, nor can a doctor determine the specific types of mold that are causing symptoms. As a result, the best way to protect your health from mold is to prevent it by controlling humidity and improving ventilation in your home or business. You should also regularly clean your home with bleach and water to remove any mold spores that may be present.
How do I get rid of mold?
While mold is usually associated with damp areas like bathrooms or basements, it can appear in any area that accumulates water. It can also grow on outdoor surfaces such as concrete floors, sidewalks, siding or wood decking. If you see mold stains outside, follow the same method to remove it that you would use indoors. Before beginning, ventilate the work area and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, eye protection and a mask to avoid breathing in spores.
To thrive, fungi need two things: moisture and organic material to feed on. When these elements combine, mold and mildew will begin to form. If left untreated, mold will continue to grow and contaminate the surrounding area, and it can also cause damage to your home. The best way to stop mold growth is to prevent it from occurring in the first place, but if you do see signs of it, take immediate action.
The best way to kill mold and prevent it from growing back is through regular cleaning and maintenance. For instance, if you notice mold stains on your walls, scrubbing the surface with a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water is an effective solution. This mixture should be sprayed generously over the affected area, allowing it to penetrate and kill the mold spores. Then, scrub the affected area with a brush and rinse it thoroughly before letting the surface dry.
If you have a more serious problem, a natural mold killer such as tea tree oil (derived from the plant Melaleuca Alternifolia) can be used. Combine a teaspoon of the oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area, making sure it is well saturated. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing it with a soft brush or cloth. Then, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry in a sunny, well-ventilated spot.
While mold spores are found everywhere, there are certain types that are particularly harmful. Exposure to these types of mold, such as stachybotrys chartarum or cladosporium, can lead to allergy symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes, and even more severe health problems, including pneumonia and chronic lung disease.
What are the most effective mold removal methods?
For most surfaces in the home, a general household cleaner is the best way to remove mold. Clorox products like RMR-141, Clorox Disinfecting Bleach or Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover are effective for most surfaces and contain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) which works well to kill mold and remove discoloration. These cleaners can be used on most hard, non-porous surfaces such as walls, ceiling tiles and concrete floors. However, they are not effective on porous materials like fabric, wallpaper and wood. It’s important to thoroughly rinse these materials with clean water after cleaning and allowing them to air dry.
Always wear personal protective equipment when tackling a mold problem, including rubber gloves, goggles or glasses and a respirator with a N-95 face mask or higher to avoid breathing in any spores. The CDC recommends these personal protection measures to reduce your risk of infection, even when using a safe chemical solution.
Before you begin, it’s also a good idea to move furniture and plants away from the area to be cleaned so that you can get unobstructed access to the surface. Rinse the affected area of your house with a garden hose or bucket of clean water after you’ve finished cleaning to remove any residual cleaning solution and mold residue.
Indoor mold growth is usually a result of excess moisture, and the most common causes of moisture problems in homes are leaky roofs, poor ventilation in attics, improper basement drainage and overflowing toilets. Preventing these problems is the best way to prevent mold growth, and can include fixing any leaks, ensuring good ventilation in attics and basements, directing rainwater away from foundation walls and installing proper gutter systems.
Outdoor mold often forms on wood, brick and concrete surfaces as a result of exposure to the elements and excess moisture, such as in shady areas or over water-logged soil. The most effective methods for treating mold on exterior surfaces will depend on the material and the severity of the problem. For most surfaces, a thorough scrubbing with a hard-bristled brush or power washer is the best course of action.
Do I need to hire a professional?
If you’re dealing with a serious mold problem, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional to take care of the cleanup and make sure that the problem doesn’t return. Professionals are able to use special air-filtration equipment and have the knowledge and training necessary to remove even the most stubborn of mold spores. Additionally, they can offer advice on how to prevent future mold growth and help you find ways to keep your home healthy and safe.
However, it’s important to note that not all mold professionals are created equal. A good mold remediation expert should be able to explain the process in simple terms and charge a reasonable price. They should also be able to identify the type and severity of mold present through laboratory testing. Finally, they should be able to offer advice on how to avoid future mold problems, such as by installing whole-house dehumidification equipment, improving ventilation, and fixing leaks.
It’s also essential to understand that mold removal and remediation are not the same thing. Mold removal deals with removing the visible mold only, while mold remediation is much more involved and involves finding out how the mold grew in the first place and making sure that the contamination levels are below a safe level for people and buildings.
One of the most important things that a mold remediation specialist can do is to establish containment around the affected area. This will ensure that any spores that become airborne do not spread to unaffected areas of the property. This is especially important if the mold is toxic, such as Stachybotrys, which is commonly known as black mold and can be extremely dangerous.
If you’re concerned about the health of your family or pets, a professional should always be called in to do the mold inspection and cleanup. They will be able to recommend the right products and procedures to get rid of the mold safely, without damaging the structure of your house. Additionally, a professional will be able to determine the source of the mold and fix it as needed, which will prevent new mold from growing in the future.