The Last of Us is a massively popular video game. It tells the tale of a world where a fungus turns everyone into lumbering, mindless zombies.
Mold may not be that powerful, but it is a dangerous fungus. It often affects the respiratory system, and toxic varieties can damage every part of your body.
Florida leads the nation in the prevalence of these spores, scoring 38.76 out of 40 on the FDP Mold Index.
Read on to learn why mold removal in Tampa is your best defense against these spores.
Spotting It Before You Get Sick
It is possible to spot mold before it starts to affect your health. It can affect your home as much as your body.
There are several signs to look out for, such as:
- Dark spots and rings
- Earthy or damp smells
- Bubbling on the walls or paint
- Blockages in the attic insulation
- Squishy sections in hardwood floors
- Noticeable increases in humidity levels
It’s also important to know where to look. Mold can only grow in warm, wet areas. There are several of them in the average home, such as:
- Sinks
- Bathtubs
- Windows
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Ceilings
Having a visual picture of what you’re looking for is also important. Mold creates mushroom-like spores. They can be made up of a single color or a mixture of:
- Green
- Yellow
- Orange
- Blue
- Pink
- White
- Black
Black tends to be the most dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get help if you see one of the other colors. They can all have a major impact on your health.
Health Risks of Mold Exposure
How mold will impact your health differs from case to case and person to person. It’ll be worse if you have a toxic mold or a respiratory condition.
Mold has certain physical symptoms to look out for across the board. The most common are respiratory or allergic reactions. Toxic molds create different but even more dangerous symptoms.
Respiratory Issues
Mold spores most commonly cause problems in the respiratory tract. These issues may include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
They’re not severe in short-term cases, but long-term mold exposure can cause chronic respiratory issues. The problem is especially common in children or the elderly.
Allergic Reactions
Mold can cause allergic reactions. These include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Rashes
Those with pre-existing allergies will have more severe reactions.
Symptoms of Toxic Mold
Any toxic mold, such as black mold, will cause more severe reactions. They can release mycotoxins that affect the brain and cause neurological issues and chronic fatigue.
You may also notice that other health issues begin to appear, such as:
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin irritation
- Irritated, watery eyes
- Brain fog
It’ll also exacerbate any pre-existing conditions. Mold allergies are common, and the spores are not the friend of anyone with asthma.
Preventing Mold
Major mold cases need a professional’s help, but you can clear up small cases on your own. If you see any, treat it while wearing a mask and gloves to prevent inhalation.
Other steps you can take to prevent mold growth include preventing water damage and controlling humidity levels.
Keep Up With Cleaning
Regular cleaning is both a way to spot any spores that are growing and a way to prevent them from building up.
Remove water from shower walls or doors. Clean all your bathroom surfaces with mold-killing solutions.
Keep your kitchen dry and clean. Don’t forget to go in hidden areas such as under the sink.
Make sure your laundry room is dry, clean, and ventilated. Replace the lint traps regularly to avoid moisture buildup.
Maintain Humidity and Ventilation
Tampa can be a breeding ground for mold because of its hot, wet climate. The temperature can go above 90°. The humidity level can get up to 72%
The EPA or Environmental Protection Agency says to shoot for 30-50% humidity in your home to prevent mold growth.
You can get a tester to check the humidity in your home. If it’s too high, you can put dehumidifiers in damp areas, such as bathrooms, to draw out the moisture.
You should also make sure that you have enough ventilation in every room. Keep the doors and windows open, especially in high-humidity areas. You can also use fans.
Address Leaks or Water Damage
Even minor areas of water damage can lead to serious mold infestations. Check for any dripping or leaks, especially after storms.
Don’t forget to take a look at areas prone to damage, such as your:
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Windows
Get a professional to fix any damage or infestations as soon as possible. The sooner you address them, the less likely you are to have serious water damage or mold infestations.
Mold Removal and Remediation Process
Mold inspection in Tampa is a thorough process. It involves using specialized tools to find all spores, even in hidden areas homeowners may miss.
Once it’s been found, get professional mold removal in Tampa whenever the infestation becomes extensive or won’t go away after repeated cleaning. Don’t try to handle spores in your HVAC system or hard-to-reach places.
Professionals have the experience and equipment to solve the problem quickly. They can take care of it before it creates any health issues for you or your family.
Tampa mold remediation goes a step further in preventing any future growth. Professionals work to take care of any underlying moisture issues. Any belongings that are ruined by the mold will have to be removed.
Get Mold Removal in Tampa
Mold is a dangerous fungus that grows in damp, hidden areas. It can harm the respiratory system and exacerbate conditions such as asthma. Toxic varieties such as black mold are potentially deadly.
You can prevent it from going by keeping your home clean and dry. When it starts to take over, seek out help from the professionals.
Big Easy Restoration specializes in mold, water damage, and disaster remediation projects for buildings of all sizes. Our 45 years of experience is backed by our Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. Contact us for mold removal in Tampa today.
