Here are three vital reasons you shouldn’t have mold in your home. It is harmful to you and your family’s physical health. Mold can alter your emotional well-being and cognitive function. Residential homes are subject to exterior and interior damage and a decline in value.
Physical Health
Scientific research has documented mold exposure causing asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, and sinus infections. Touching and inhaling black or green mold can cause skin rashes, red or bloodshot eyes, a runny nose, and constant sneezing. Severe reactions to mold exposure include shortness of breath and asthmatic attacks.
Emotional State and Mood
According to an article appearing in the October 2007 issue of the American Journal of Public Health, individuals living in a damp, dark, musty environment often suffered from depression. Research showed individuals felt an inability to control their living environment. Nearly 40% of individuals living in a moldy, damp home, saw their risk of depression increase nearly44% higher than for individuals in mold-free homes.
Home Damage and Market Value Decline
Undetected mold can cause severe interior and exterior damage to a home. Several factors cause the growth of mold throughout a home. Insufficient climate control can lead to high humidity inside a home, which promotes mold growth in walls, ceilings, and carpeting. Leaky pipes and faucets serve as a source for mold growth that can attack and deteriorate roof shingles, the exposed concrete foundation, and stain metal window and door frames. Long term mold damage to the home structure can be an expensive ordeal for a homeowner. An unattended mold presence can lower a residential home’s real estate and decrease its “curb appeal.
What Needs To Be Done
Do a visual tour inside and around the outside of the home. Musty or damp odors are a sure sign mold is lurking nearby. If it’s a small area, hot water, and chlorine bleach will remove the mold. Be it inside or outside, make sure when you are cleaning the mold, there is proper ventilation. Open windows, turn on fans, and open doors. Search for leaking pipes and dripping faucets. Mold does not like chlorine beach.
Consider purchasing a dehumidifier to reduce the high humidity in a room or the entire home. Basements are often damp, change filters often. Leaking roof shingles are an entry point for water to enter the attic.
Call To Action
If mold is visible in many locations throughout the house, its time to contact a specialist in mold removal services in Boston. Mold removal firms will inspect the foundation grading, so rainwater flows away from the home. Downspouts extend away from exterior walls.
Firms that specialize in mold removal services in Boston will inspect the home for proper ventilation. It will determine if there is sufficient air supply and return ductwork. Ceiling fans help keep interior air flowing. Check and replace central air conditioning air filters. There are air filtration and purification systems that clean and purify the air, reducing the chance for mold to form.
Don’t take chances with your health, emotional well being, and your home investment. Contact a professional for mold removal services in Boston. Ask the firm if it specializes in air quality analysis and reconditioning. Mold is a hidden danger. “Out of sight, out of mind” is a perfect phrase for mold. What you don’t see, can hurt you in more ways than one.