Natural disasters are, unfortunately, an extremely common part of life. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and ice storms are all constant sources of worry for people in the many varied regions of the United States. These disasters affect our financial well being, our comfort, and, oftentimes, our health.
Recent statistics show that there are 84,900 fires in nonresidential buildings on a yearly basis. According to the NFPA, there were over quadruple that number in home fires; the total reached 370,000 in 2011. Fires, of course, are as deadly to our financial health as they are to our physical well-being.
One natural disaster many people do not consider to be overly worrisome are minor floods that cause water damage. Of course, we all realize the financial impact of such an event. Statistics from homewyse put the average cost of repairing water damage hollywood fl services offer at nearly $1,200 dollars. Personal belongings, carpets, and furniture often need to be replaced, but the problems do not always stop there.
Toxic mold build up is a common result of flood damage. Mycotoxins, produced by certain molds, can be exceptionally dangerous to humans. However, not all of these toxins are dangerous. Penicillin, for example, is highly beneficial to human health. Stachybotrys chatarum, a greenish-black mold known to build on fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, and dust, however, is an exceptionally dangerous strain. Following a flood, you need to be able to spot the signs of deadly black mold so that you can begin mold abatement immediately. Here are three signs to look for during mold inspection.
- Appearance
- Smell
- Health Symptoms
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Mold spores are always present in the air. However, when excessive humidity is produced, as during a flood, the conditions are perfect for mold to take hold. Perhaps the easiest way to discover if you need mold abatement is by simply looking around carefully. Mold can grow beneath paint, in carpets, and in walls. If you notice any strange discoloration during mold inspection, you should never attempt to remove the mold yourself. Unskilled mold abatement can actually release spores, making the problem worse.
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According to the Toxic Black Mold Information Center, black mold produces a very noticeable smell of old urine. The smell, to many people, is very similar to that of ammonia. If this strange scent begins to linger in your home, you should call a mold abatement and mold inspection Hollywood FL specialist.
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The Centers for Disease Control point out that toxic mold produces noticeable changes in respiratory health. Subsequently, you or your family members may begin to develop headaches, coughing fits, and strange, allergy-like problems you never had before. If this is the case, contact your local mold abatement specialist immediately.
If your home shows any of the signs of mold infestation, then you need to act fast. Mold can destroy your home and your health. Protect your home, yourself, and your family by acting fast with mold inspection and abatement.