Mold is a common problem in many homes and businesses, and it can be difficult to get rid of. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores from the indoor environment; the way to control mold growth indoors is to control humidity.” Even if you clean up the mold, it will reappear if the room is damp and poorly ventilated or if there is one. So, can mold ever be fully removed?The answer depends on several factors. But in some cases, believe it or not, you may be able to remove mold yourself without seeking professional help.
While homeowners can combat small mold problems on their own, large mold infestations require professional assistance. The mold removal process involves eliminating mold at a level that is safe for your health and your facilities. This level is known as the point of normal or healthy fungal ecology. Complete mold removal is impossible and, for the most part, undesirable, so the next best option is to remedy the mold.
If the mold is removed correctly, but the water problem remains unresolved, the mold problem is likely to recur. Anti-mildew paint is often effective in controlling surface mold in humid rooms, such as bathrooms, and outside, in shady areas. Penthouses and mezzanines are undoubtedly the two most likely places a home inspector will find mold. However, there are other very important points that buyers and sellers should consider regarding the health effects of mold. Mold remediation will identify the cause of active mold growth and control the amount of mold present.
Within the industry and among mold professionals mold removal, mold mitigation, mold reduction, and mold remediation are often used interchangeably along with other terms, such as mold cleaning and restoration. You might even think about trying one or two methods yourself, but think again when you decide to deal with mold yourself. Mold spores are usually inherent to all indoor and outdoor spaces, so it is technically impossible to completely eradicate all molds, but the key is to control their growth. Molds made of non-porous or semiporous materials are often cleaned using a safe process that prevents spores from being released into the air. Before hiring a mold remediation service, it's crucial to address any water or humidity issues in the house to prevent mold from growing back after remediation.
Some symptoms of mold may include runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, rash, eye irritation, sore throat, or sneezing. In conclusion, while complete removal of all molds may not be possible due to their ubiquitous nature in indoor and outdoor environments, it is possible to control their growth by addressing underlying water or humidity issues and using safe cleaning methods. Homeowners can combat small mold problems on their own but large infestations require professional assistance.
