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The term toxic mold has been the result of serious health concerns shared by people and has resulted in widespread fear of mold that can be found in one’s home, schools, workplaces and elsewhere. This article will discuss some of the basics associated with regards to general mold and the best climates it thrives under.
Firstly, it is important to understand what mold is. According to Medicine Net mold is defined as, “one of a large group of fungi that can proliferate on food and in moist areas. Household mold is a common trigger for allergies”. As noted in the definition, mold is a form of fungus that can grow indoors and outdoors. The fungus thrives in warm, damp and humid environments or conditions. It is important to note that there more than 300 000 different types of mold species found in the U. S. and over 1 000 of them are found indoors. However, when found in a moderate amount molds are generally not harmful to one’s health. Most health problems linked to mold exposure are a result of a build-up of high concentrations of mold.
Mold spreads as a result of generating spores; these spores are able to survive for long periods of time even under unfavorable conditions that do not allow it to grow. As such, this makes mold very difficult to eliminate. Worse still mold spores are not visible to the naked eye and therefore, can become airborne without one noticing.
There is a common misconception that mold is found in places that are dirty or unclean. However, some amount of mold is found everywhere all the time. Many forms of mold are very common and travel quite easily from one place to the next, making it next to impossible to have a home or building totally mold-free.
Because mold favors conditions that are warm, damp and humid. When found indoors the common places it thrives are in areas of high moisture and low ventilation; such as bathrooms and basements. In addition, they can be found in and around leaks in roofs, pipes, windows or areas where there has been flooding. In fact, potted plants are common mold locations. Experts have noted that mold grows and thrives in wood and wood products, paper and paper products; for example, ceiling tiles, drywall, cardboard and wallpaper. It even grows in fabrics like carpets and upholstery and can be found in building products like paint and insulation. At times it even resembles dust.
One can detect mold by smelling it, as it gives off a musty odor or by seeing it; as it forms of spots of almost any color. Once a person has detected or seen mold it is likely that it has already built up a high concentration presenting a health hazard. Therefore, it is necessary to take steps to eliminate it. This is done by the procedure called mold remediation.
To learn more about injuries and/or damages sustained as a result of mold, follow the link free attorney consultation near me.
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