Mold is a living organism, although it is not a plant or an animal. It is a species of fungi that feeds on decaying and dead organic matter. Dark and humid locations make for ideal mold breeding grounds; mold does not grow in the sun. Although darkness is necessary, moisture is an even more important for mold to grow. Mold also needs time to grow, but can appear in as little as 24-48 hours.
Mold is not only visually unappealing, it has a repugnant odour, and it also weakens surfaces such as walls. Most perturbing, however, is that mold can cause serious health problems. These health concerns range from simply bothersome to life-threatening. Health issues caused mold include:
- Allergies – Mold spores are inhaled causing allergic reactions. Persistent exposure can lead to more sever reactions. Eventually, even small amounts of mold are problematic.
- Toxic Mold – There 16 species of mold that are toxic to humans because they release mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic to humans.
- Infections – Mold that is breathed into the body can grow inside the dark, moist environment provided by the lungs, nose and air tract. These infections are more likely to affect those with weak immune systems, and the elderly, but should be taken no less seriously as they can lead to death.
Mold in your home may sound like a frightening prospect, but the Pittsburgh Mold Test Agency can help alleviate your concerns. The agency employs the most skilled experts, and the newest equipment to efficiently and effectively test your home for mold. Our team will find mold no matter where it is hiding, and develop a safe plan for attending to the mold.
People who are concerned with a moldy smell which is lingering in their house should immediately stop neglecting it and contact this agency for a mold test immediately. Mold is a living organism which belongs to the fungi kingdom and grows under favorable conditions which are absence of sunlight and presence of moisture. It grows on dead and decaying matter and can easily grow anywhere from kitchen to the basement. Sometimes it is readily visible and preventive measures can be taken to eradicate it but mostly it grows on places which are not visible and is hence very hard to come across. The best indicator of mold being present in the house for normal people is the presence of moldy smell in the house.
Among the many disadvantages caused by the molds of various kinds, the notable few are given below:
- Allergic reactions: These are caused when the body takes in spores which are released by the molds. These spores are a foreign material and hence the body’s reflex actions refuse to easily accept them. The allergic reactions may include: cold or symptoms which resemble flu, coughing and sneezing, reddening and watery eyes, itching around the ears etc. These reactions by the body produce a chemical known as Histamine which hinders the blood flow of the body and can lead to hair fall.
- Infections: When spores are taken into the body, the spores may reach the lungs or other parts of the body and begin to develop as molds inside the body. This usually occurs in people who have low immune strength but can be severe and even cause death in some cases.
- Toxic Reactions: Many of the molds which develop in regular households are toxic in nature and release substances known as mycotoxins which have the ability to impair the mental as well as neurological conditions of a healthy adult and can even cause Cancer and subsequent death in many cases.
Thus it is advisable for people who are concerned with molds to constantly get their homes tested for molds. This facility is provided at a very reasonable rate to the people of Columbus by this company and will ensure the safety of the people living in the house. The experts will even eradicate the mold if there is a development of molds going on at a place not visible easily.