In the shower, the sink drain, or the cupboard, mold is a common companion in most of our lives and homes — if only noticeable on our bread and cheese. However, you may not even realize just how much mold you are really surrounded by. What is more, not all mold is benign; some molds have negative health impacts on you and your family — especially on people with allergies. It can require specialized tools and knowledge to do a thorough deep cleaning of the mold in your home. That’s why Seitz Environmental Inc. offers mold inspection and removal services for the greater Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Contact us to schedule your mold inspection today!

How Does Mold Build Up in Your House?

Mold can grow in your carpet, on your walls, on your furniture — pretty much anywhere. The most impactful thing that leads to mold growth is moisture; which is why the most common places you see mold tend to be places that regularly become wet. If left untreated, mold will spread and grow. The key ingredients for mold growth are air, warmth, darkness, and water. If you see visible mold growing in your house, no matter how small, our mold remediation technicians in Pennsylvania recommend you take action immediately. Taking action fast can help prevent further mold growth and keep your home mold-free and your body healthy.

The Dangers of Mold

As a form of fungi, mold itself is relatively harmless. The way mold reproduces causes the most problems for people. Mold reproduces by releasing millions of spores into the air. Health problems associated with mold spores are generally respiratory in nature. These can include:

  • Congestion
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Throat irritation
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing

These symptoms can be more severe for people who have asthma or allergies. When there are high levels of mold in your house, you increase your risk of getting a fungal infection, poisoned by mold (mycotoxin toxicity), and eventually becoming hypersensitive to mold, which increases the acuteness of the previously mentioned symptoms.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your House

Mold growth in your house is not inevitable, but it’s never going to go away entirely, either. Mold is all around us, and in part we all have to deal with it. However, that’s no reason why you shouldn’t do everything you can to prevent mold growth in your house. There are some things you can do on your own, but for best results, special equipment and hired professionals are recommended. A few things you can do on your own though are:

  • Try and keep your indoor humidity levels below 60%
  • Wipe down your shower and drain after use, and clean it regularly
  • Fix any leaks in your home
  • Keep your doors between rooms open to increase circulation, preventing condensation in areas of stagnant air
  • Clean your refrigerator regularly

To do an adequate job of mold removal, mold testing is recommended as the first step. This way, we can accurately identify what degree of mold removal is called for in your home. To get your home tested for mold today, contact Seitz Environmental Inc. in Lehigh Valley today!