Mold is a massive problem in the United States. Because of how easily mold spores can spread through the air, all you need is a moist environment for there to be a mold infestation in your building or facility. Toxic mold has been known to cause health problems such as allergies and infections. The symptoms can range from mild ones such as dry cough and asthma, to more severe ones like cancer and death. If you suspect that there is mold growth in your building, the best thing you can do is to get a professional mold inspection done. All you need to do is hire a mold inspector and they will conduct mold testing of the area in question. Doing it yourself might be tempting, but it is not worth risking your health. In the unfortunate case where there is in fact a mold infestation, you will be able to decide what your next best course of action is.
Signs of a Mold Infestation
It is important to know about some of the signs of a mold infestation so that you can decide whether to hire a professional mold tester. The following are some signs:
- Visible signs of mold growth on the walls
- Unexplained allergic symptoms from mold exposure
- Recent water damage
- Water leakage
- Musty odor of mold
If you find that you see these signs in your building, then it is only wise to confirm your suspicions. Sometimes, it can be easy to spot mold growth by the naked eye. However, a mold inspector will be able to tell you exactly where the mold is and inform you of any hidden mold in the building. Mold inspection can help you to find out the location of the hidden mold and you will be able to carry out the mold abatement process.
What to do if Mold Growth is Confirmed?
Once it is confirmed that there is mold growth in the facility, you will need to remove it as quickly as possible to minimize the risk of toxic mold exposure. The professional mold inspector will be able to tell you what kind of mold it is and what to do remove it.
Why Hire a Professional Mold Inspector?
Although you might think that it is easy to inspect your building for mold, it most definitely is not. Hiring a professional mold inspector is such a great idea because they will not only perform a visual inspection but send samples back to the laboratory for further testing. They also have the added advantage of equipment such as moisture meters and fiber optics. Furthermore, there is no harm getting an inspection done. What is the worst that could happen? In the case that there is no mold growth, you can enjoy peace of mind. However, if there indeed is a mold infestation, you can then plan your next step.
A certified mold inspector will come to your building and test various spots for mold. This includes floors, ceilings, walls and air. If it is found that there are unhealthy levels of mold, you should then hire a mold remediation professional.