If mold is found in your home or business, mold growth can be eliminated in several ways; but precautions must always be taken to decrease the risk of further contamination. If mold is disturbed or removed incorrectly, the spores may filter into the HVAC system, redistributing mold throughout the structure.

If you have experienced water damage or other conditions that can create a mold problem Contact UBM to confirm the presence of mold. The process begins with • assessing the situation, • presenting a project report, and • making recommendations for safe, effective cleanup and removal.

The following are some frequently asked questions and facts about mold, the health hazards, and what you can do about the problem.

Q: What are molds?
A:  Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

Q: How do molds grow?
A:  Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Mold will grow and multiply under the right conditions, needing only sufficient moisture (e.g., in the form of very high humidity, condensation, or water from a leaking pipe, etc.), and organic material (e.g., ceiling tile, drywall, paper, or natural fiber carpet padding).

Q: Where are molds found?
A:  Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

Q: How do molds affect people?
A:  Some people are sensitive to molds. Allergic responses can come from exposure to dead as well as to living mold spores. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

Any extensive indoor mold growth should be treated as a potential health concern and removed as soon as practical no matter what species of mold is present. Identify and correct the source of moisture so that mold will not grow back.

Q: Can people decrease mold exposure?
A:  Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes and businesses, mold growth can be slowed by keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and ventilating showers, bathrooms, and cooking areas.

Q: Can mold be found in the home?
A:  Yes, if there is sufficient moisture. Indications of a moisture problem may include discoloration of the ceiling or walls, warping of the floor, or condensation on the walls or windows. The key to preventing mold growth is to control all moisture problems. Lookout for these common sources of moisture:
• Flooding
• Roof leaks
• Plumbing leaks and/or drainage problems
• Damp basements and crawl spaces
• Steam from the bathroom or kitchen
• Condensation resulting from poor or improper insulation or ventilation
• Humidifiers
• Wet clothes drying inside the home or a clothes dryer venting indoors
• Poor or improper ventilation of combustion appliances

Q: What can I do to help prevent a mold problem?
A:   Some specific recommendations we have found are:
• Keep the humidity level in the building environment between 40% and 60%.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the your building environment has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Use exhaust fans/open a window when showering, cooking/washing dishes.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms/public restrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Fix water leaks as soon as possible to keep mold from growing.
• Dry damp or wet items completely within 1 to 2 days to keep mold from growing.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.