Mold is a serious problem that requires professional attention. It releases spores into the air that cause various health issues, such as itchy eyes, coughing, fatigue and many other symptoms.
It grows in areas with moisture, such as around ductwork, on or under carpets, drywall, and behind wallpaper. It also thrives in wet areas from flooding or other water damage.
Health Issues
Mold can cause numerous health issues and is particularly dangerous for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or a weakened immune system. As mold grows, it releases spores, cells and fragments into the air that can irritate these conditions. It also produces mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans. These toxins can cause breathing difficulties, sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, a sore throat and other symptoms. Long-term exposure can lead to liver disease and even death in severe cases.
All species of mold release spores into the air, but the black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is more likely to produce mycotoxins which are especially harmful to humans. All species of mold can trigger allergic reactions in those with sensitive skin, eyes and respiratory systems. They can also increase the risk of asthma attacks in those with a preexisting condition and exacerbate them in others.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or noticing an unusual odor, you should contact a professional for a mold inspection. Mold may be present in spaces that aren’t visible, so a thorough visual inspection is needed.
Landlords are responsible for addressing maintenance issues and preventing mold growth in their rental properties. Depending on local laws, this can include safely repairing leaks and correcting persistently high humidity levels to prevent mold growth.
Damage to Property
Mold damage can be very costly to repair. It can ruin furniture, carpeting and other personal belongings. It also can cause structural damage to a home. The longer the mold is ignored, the more damage it can do. Some types of mold can produce toxins that are harmful to people. These are called toxic molds. Examples include Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), Penicillium and Cladosporium. If these toxins are ingested, they can cause health problems such as rashes, eye infections and asthma symptoms.
Mold spores can also stain walls, ceilings and other surfaces. Hiring professional mold remediation in Staten Island for mold cleanup and repairs is best. This is because mold removal can be very difficult. It can require several cleaning steps and may require specialized equipment. The EPA recommends cleaning mold growth with soap and water, scrub brushes and deodorizer. Bleach can be used to kill any remaining mold spores. Bleach should be diluted with water to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Tenants should report any maintenance issues to their landlords immediately. Particularly if there was a leak or flood, this is true. Most renters’ insurance policies cover injury to furniture and other personal property. It is crucial to remember that the tenant could be held accountable for the remediation and damage costs if they were the source of the leak, flood, or other maintenance issues on the property.
Increased Insurance Rates
Mold claims can send your insurance rates through the roof. They may also cause a landlord to cancel a lease or deny a claim. The best defense against this is maintaining a mold-free house. It’s simpler than you might think to prevent mold. Ensure your pipes and appliances are watertight and that your air ducts are clean.
Leaks and moisture are the root causes of most mold problems. It’s important to dry and ventilate the area quickly when a leak occurs. This can be done by bringing in experts with large fans and commercial dehumidifiers to dry the room as soon as possible. Additionally, experts can use infrared technology to find the source of a leak, even behind walls and through floors.
Ignoring a leak for long periods can lead to a mold problem. This is why it’s important to check the water pressure in your house regularly and to have your plumbing regularly inspected.
Some homeowners insurance policies include mold coverage, while others do not. Discussing the policy details with your agent and ensuring you know the limitations and exclusions is best. The most common scenario mold needs to be covered is if it results from a water damage issue that was ignored for some time.
Cost of Repairs
Mold is a living organism that grows anywhere there is moisture and food. This means it thrives in moist, dark spots like a bathroom floor near the sink or bathtub, a rotting attic floor, a basement or even inside air ducts. Mold spores spread easily on surfaces like carpet, wallpaper, wood, paint, fabric and paper and can cause severe damage if not removed immediately.
If airborne, mold spores can spread to adjacent rooms in a house or apartment, which could result in further costs. These costs may include new carpet, cupboards, furniture, flooring, expert mold cleanup, and other possible infestation-affected goods. Often, mold growth in a home or apartment is caused by leaks or other problems that can be addressed immediately. If a landlord is not informed about a leaky roof or water pipe, the water will continue to seep through the ceilings and walls and cause damage. Landlords should always take responsibility for fixing a problem such as this, regardless of who was responsible for the initial excess moisture. While the landlord can try to recoup some of the costs from the tenant down the road, it is much more important to act quickly and ensure that the area is safe for residents.