How Harmful is Mold? Do I Need a Mold Inspection?

Mold is probably one of the last things people want to find in a house, workplace, or other building. It’s right up there with cockroaches and termites. It can silently affect you, your family, your employees and coworkers, and everyone else. Often it goes undetected, contaminating your air. While small, it is not something to be overlooked.

First, there is no single type of mold, there are many varieties. Mold is even used to make some cheeses. So, to lump all mold into the downright harmful category is wrong. However, you won’t find the molds on cheese lingering in your walls. Indoor mold comes in a few main types, including Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Stachybotrys. The latter is the mold that frequently is associated with and called black mold, the kind that is especially hazardous to health.

Molds can release mycotoxins that can cause disease in humans and animals. They cause irritation of the respiratory tract and result in allergic reactions. They can be found in walls, carpets, window frames, plant soils, decomposing leaves, and a plethora of other sources. Respiratory problems are a frequently malady when dealing with mold. It can exacerbate allergies and asthma.

As for Stachybotrys, the black mold, this one probably has the most dreaded effects. This mold can lead to highly toxic mycotoxins in the body. It is slimy and frequently appears on water-damaged surfaces. It can cause serious breathing problems and dizziness, deteriorate cognitive faculties, and lead to bleeding in the lungs. While Stachybotrys isn’t terribly common, it is a very harmful substance.

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Mold Inspection in Northern Virginia

If you have mold in your house, workplace, or other building, or think you might have mold, contact NoVA Environmental Solutions today for a free initial consultation. Don’t gamble with the safety of you, your family, and anyone else.