Why Do Mold Spores Grow in East Alabama?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s unclear how many types of mold fungi exist in the world today. The best guess is currently between tens of thousands and over three hundred thousand.
Mold is a type of fungi that is found naturally in the environment. It’s all around us: in the air you breathe, on your clothing, and even inside of your home. Outdoors, mold is an integral part of the ecosystem; it breaks down old leaves, wood, and plant matter. Indoors, however, mold is problematic. Our bodies cannot break down mold spores. The results are illness and long-term respiratory diseases.
Here in East Alabama, mold is a growing problem. If you find mold in your home, schedule professional mold remediation immediately. It’s the only guaranteed method to resolve the problem.
How Does Mold Grow in East Alabama?In order to successfully reproduce, mold needs to release tiny spores into the air, just like many types of plants do with their seeds. To produce these spores or seeds, the mold requires the right growth conditions. Inside your home, these conditions include moisture, humidity, and nutrients. Mold tends to feast on organic matter, such as cloth, wood, or insulation.
The primary cause of mold growth in most homes today is typically water damage. When dealing with water damage, you’re on the clock. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of the damage if the water is not cleaned and dried properly.
How Mold Affects Your HealthWhen you inhale mold spores, which are invisible, they travel directly into your lungs. Here, the mold causes irritation, but it’s not the only way in which it affects your body. In rare cases, mold can even cause problems from skin contact.
The most common ways in which mold affects your health include:

• A runny nose, throat irritation, itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing.
• Wheezing, often associated with asthma.
• Respiratory diseases after long-term exposure.

Cleaning Mold From Your HomeHow you clean mold depends on the situation. Typically, it’s best to leave mold remediation and cleanup to the experts. Most homeowners are not equipped or trained to handle mold.
For a small area, surface mold can be cleaned relatively easily using common household methods. For more extensive infestations, however, always consult a professional.
First, the source must be dealt with. If you have a water leak, it is likely causing your mold growth. Once the source and mold are dealt with, the area must be decontaminated to prevent regrowth.
For 24-hour mold remediation and inspection services, trust your local Restoration 1 of East Alabama. Give us a call today. We have mold experts available at all hours to help!