It's important to understand what mold is and why it grows. All molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is dangerous to you and your family is relatively rare in the fungus world, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't dangerous. However, some toxic molds are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be mitigated and completely removed.
Government experts recommend that you contact a mold damage specialists Greencastle PA company for assistance if the smelly mold takes up more than about 36 square inches. If you see mold growth, there is probably hidden mold behind walls, in attics and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold removal services, the first step is to stop the mold from growing. Turn off any HVAC systems. Then, work to halt the dripping or condensation that brought the mold. For example, fix leaky faucets or dry out standing water if you can. The next step is to contain the problem. You could block off the area with disposable tarps, for example.
Should you get a professional company to help or can you finish it on your own? Beyond thinking about the magnitude of the issue, consider any aggravating health issues you may have that make you prone to risk.
Once you've decided, there are important steps to take. If you're going at it alone, start with gathering the right safety gear and cleaning supplies. You'll need non-ventilated goggles, clothes that are easy to wash and that cover your extremities, a mold-safe mask and mold-approved gloves that reach at least to your forearms. You will also want new disposable rags and disposable plastic sheeting that will help catch mold spores as you remove them. Experts agree that you should never leave unpainted drywall that is moldy anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned well enough. Avoid cleaning with bleach.
Chances are that if you're concerned enough about mold damage to do online research, you need a professional mold removal service. It is best if you find these companies in your geographic location, so call for if you live there. Doing this will ensure that you find a company with specific experience.
Check licensing and certifications before you hire a mold damage cleanup service.
You should clean up any mold you come across to stop further harm, and do it right away. If you don't, mold growths will continue to feast on your structure and will destroy your possessions. Some types of mold, those that release mycotoxins, can also cause sever health problems ranging from neurological damage to breathing problems and mold-related illnesses and ongoing ill health. Mycotoxins can be particularly harmful to infants, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system such as people with AIDS/HIV or lupus.
The best way to mitigate your mold problem is to get professional mold removal assistance. Don't delay.