Florida and moisture are two sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other. Hillsborough County Home Inspections often detect moisture problems and leaks which can lead to mold. Your Beryl Master Inspector will recommend a professional mold inspection if mold growth is discovered during Hillsborough County Home Inspections.
You should be aware of the basics about mold and how it can begin growing inside your home. Learn more about mold and how to get rid of it in this article.
Why Does My Florida Home Have Mold?
Mold is a natural part of the environment and is important in nature for breaking down dead organic matter like fallen leaves and dead trees. Indoor mold is not helpful and should be avoided. Mold spores are tiny organisms that can float through the air. You can carry them indoors on your body and clothing and even your pets.
Mold needs moisture to live and grow and there is plenty of water across Florida. Mold spores that get into your home but land on dry surfaces will not likely survive for long. Mold spores that land on wet areas will grow rapidly and reproduce to spread beyond the initial outbreak. This is why leaks and other areas that stay moist should be repaired and dried as quickly as they are discovered.
Mold and Your Health
Different forms of mold generate allergens that cause various reactions. Some even produce potentially toxic substances. Breathing in or even touching mold or mold spores can trigger negative reactions that include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Skin rash
- Breathing difficulties
Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. Other serious health effects are possible in those with existing medical conditions or compromised immune systems. The Florida Environmental Health website provides more information and resources about mold. This is why Beryl inspectors are always careful to note the presence of mold in Hillsborough County Home Inspections.
How Can I Get Rid of Mold?
Tiny mold spores are everywhere and are virtually impossible to eliminate entirely. The first priority when mold is discovered is to fix the moisture problem. Eliminating excess moisture takes away the vital breeding ground for mold. Repair any leaks and resolve any issues that cause moisture to accumulate. It is also a good idea to eliminate the sources of standing water outdoors near your home.
Small mold problems will still be indicated on Hillsborough County Home Inspections but you may be able to handle the cleanup yourself. An area of ten square feet or less that is easily accessible can be cleaned away by scrubbing with detergent and water. Be sure to thoroughly dry cleaned surfaces after cleaning mold away. Porous surfaces should be cleaned and dried several times to make sure all presence of mold is eliminated. You should use protective breathing gear and gloves while cleaning moldy areas.
Larger mold outbreaks will need to be cleaned by a professional mold remediation company. They have the protective gear and tools to remove large amounts of mold safely. Always be sure your mold remediation contractor follows all guidelines from the EPA, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For additional information about the health effects of mold exposure and information on the safe removal of mold, please call your County Health Department’s Environmental Health Office, the Florida Department of Health, Radon and Indoor Air Program at 1-800-543-8279.
Beryl Project Engineering performs reliable and thorough Hillsborough County Home Inspections for Florida homeowners, buyers, and other clients. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a Florida home inspection.