Mold can appear in any place where there is moisture and inadequate ventilation, such as your condominium or apartment. There are several types of molds and not all are harmful, but they should be removed as soon as they are noticed.
Learn more about the types of mold found indoors, their health risks, and what to do when you spot mold growth from the experts of ServiceMaster by Wright.
Common Types of Molds Found Indoors
- Acremonium - powdery in appearance and can be white, grey, pink, or orange. It is a toxigenic and carcinogenic mold that can affect the brain. Acremonium is usually found in cooling oils, drain pans, humidifiers, and window sealants.
- Alternaria - typically found in showers, sinks, and dark places in the home. Alternaria can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
- Aureobasidium - black and pink in appearance and typically found on wooden furniture, painted walls, and wallpaper. It can cause intensive allergic reactions.
- Aspergillus - the adverse effects of exposure to this mold include allergies, respiratory infections, and inflamed lungs.
- Cladosporium - suede-like and brown or olive-green in appearance. Cladosporium can cause allergies to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.
- Trichoderma - usually white-colored with green patches and grows on damp fabric. It is considered destructive to building materials and may result in the deterioration of walls and structures.
Health Risks of Mold Exposure
Here are some allergic reactions that can be experienced when you are affected by mold spores:
- Coughing
- Itchy eyes
- Long-standing or frequent sinusitis
- Rash
- Redness of the eyes
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing/shortness of breath
Serious pain and neurological symptoms can also be observed, such as:
- Headaches and migraines
- Fatigue and weakness
- Frequent colds and the flu
- Joint pain
- Muscle cramping, aches, and pains
- Numbness, tingling or tremors
- Persistent nerve pain
- Poor memory, brain fog, difficulty with focus
- Vertigo/Dizziness
The immunocompromised, the elderly, and children are more sensitive to the health effects of mold, so mold removal must be performed immediately by a professional mold remediation company.
What Should I Do When I Discover Mold in My Condo/Apartment?
- Mold problems are serious. Reactions to mold exposure vary per person, but this doesn’t mean that healthy individuals are safe.
- If someone has a lung problem, such as asthma or emphysema, being around mold spores can be life-threatening.
- A mold-free environment is important for you and your family’s health. Since some molds are harmful and you are not sure which, if you discover mold in your living quarters, you need to call a mold removal company immediately.
Why Should I Hire a Mold Remediation Company?
- Mold removal companies will come out to assess the situation and use mold cleaning products to fix the damage.
- You may be able to remove minor surface mold on hard surfaces on your own using bleach, but to be on the safe side, it’s better to depend on professionals.
- Do not attempt to remove long-standing mold on your own! The growth may have penetrated deep into the material and a simple wipe here and there will not do the trick.
- Hire professional mold remediators to effectively remove the mold using state-of-the-art technology and the proper cleaning products.
How to Prevent Mold From Coming Back
After the mold is removed, it’s best to take steps to prevent it from coming back. This will help condominium and apartment owners avoid future expenses, health hazards, and inconvenience.
Remove excess moisture
- Damp, dark, and humid places are perfect for mold development. Indoors, excess moisture is often found in basements, damaged roofing or plumbing, and recently flooded areas.
- To minimize moisture, it is recommended to fix leaks as soon as they occur. Dry fabrics outdoors, use a dehumidifier, keep often-damp places in your apartment or condominium well-ventilated, and dry wet areas within 24 to 48 hours.
Use the appropriate cleaner
- Look for cleaners designed to kill mold spores in your local cleaning supply store. If you want to ensure that the right cleaning products and methods are used, contact a professional mold remediation company like ServiceMaster by Wright.
Dispose of items that cannot be dried out
- Mold infestation on wood and other organic building materials is difficult to remove. It's best to throw the infected items out to prevent the spread.
Call the professionals
- Mold removal cannot be delayed. If despite following the above-mentioned remedies you notice mold coming back, it's time to contact the experts.
Make an Appointment With Our Mold Remediation Specialists in Fort Myers, Florida
Condominium or apartment mold damage is a serious threat to your property, especially for Florida snowbirds who may not be present to deal with the damage firsthand. If you suspect mold growth in your condominium, you must contact professional mold remediation and removal experts to schedule an on-site inspection and draft an estimate.
ServiceMaster by Wright is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to mold emergencies in Fort Myers, Florida and the surrounding areas. We specialize in removing mold from ceilings, inside of walls, bathrooms, kitchens and after-flood baseboards and floors.
- Over 40 years of experience
- Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
- Licensed and fully bonded technicians
Visit our main office at 6451 Arc Way, Fort Myers, FL 33966, or check our website to find the location nearest to you.
