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What's Mold? How did it get to our house?
Generally speaking, mold growth is caused by invasion of excess levels of moisture to your property. It can be caused by adverse weather conditions, leaks through windows, doors or through the roof, broken water pipes or water heaters. Moisture is harbored in the structural materials, and in the correct environment mold begins to grow feeding off of organic materials around – drywall, paper, wood, etc...
What's Black Mold?
Toxic mold, often called “Black Mold” is a microscopic black or green fungi that grows in high-cellulose materials such as carpet, wall paper, dry wall, thermal insulation or ceiling tiles, given correct atmospheric conditions. Black mold grows in areas where relative humidity is above 55%. Fungi can be seen by the naked eye only if they are clumped together into advanced colonies of mycelia, otherwise they can be evaluated only through a microscope.
Black mold should not be confused with macro fungus, which is the stuff commonly found on your old bread or between your shower tiles. This kind of mold is easier to spot, grows to relatively larger shapes and is a part of the eco system.
If you are unsure of the kind of mold you see, or have any additional questions please contact a mold professional – Orange Restoration would be the first place to call.
Health Effects of Mold?
Mold discovery in your place of work or business may explain some recent changes to your health. Health and scientific studies have found that exposure to mold over any period of time has been known to cause adverse health problems or worsening of existing symptoms. Health effects could potentially include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, inflammation of the sinus and aggravation of asthma.
Especially susceptible to mold are “at risk” populations with a weakened immune system, such as young children, older adults, individuals with chronic inflammatory lung diseases or severe allergies.
Remember that mold produces hazardous substances that are dangerous to touch or inhale and can lead to serious illness – Orange Restoration technicians are equipped with state of the art personal protection equipment that allows them to handle the situation in your home in the quickest and safest way possible.
Mold
To prevent mold growth you need to prevent the creation of conditions in which mold grows. Often ventilating your home can reduce condensation from a variety of sources and remove moisture saturation from materials. Take special care to ensure your water pipes, water heater, and appliances are in good order to prevent them  from unexpectedly breaking and risking your home. Most importantly, do not underestimate the urgency of handling correctly and entirely any situation of water damage in your property. Materials left water saturated for just 72 hours can become breeding ground for toxic mold, a health hazard for you and your family.
What process will professionals take?
Orange Restoration technicians will arrive to your home equipped with state of the art machines as well as personal protection equipment. We will be able to visually examine your property for mold spores, as well as test any surfaces for harmful moisture levels. We use dehumidifiers, air blowers, and negative air machines that help us clean your home of any extra moisture, mold or mildew. Technicians will work at removing contamination while preventing from mold spores becoming airborne, while using special measures to ensure that secondary damage does not occur and contamination does not spread to clean areas.
Don’t forge that our professionals deal with water damage and mold every day and are trained in the latest techniques of identifying mold varieties and determining the correct course of action immediately.
Now what?
If you suspect mold in your house, the first thing to do would be to call a certified Orange Restoration professional to come and handle it for you. Orange Restoration will dispatch a technician immediately to help you take care of your problem and get your home a step towards a healthier home environment.
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