The Hazards of Mold Following Water Damage in Your Sarasota, FL Home

The Hazards of Mold Following Water Damage in Your Sarasota, FL Home

Water damage in homes can often result from slow leaks in plumbing and appliances. These leaks are less obvious than floods and pipe bursts, so they can remain hidden for a long time. When the water damage is finally detected, it may have already caused a mold infestation. Hazards of mold.

Mold can grow within 24 hours after water damage occurs in a home. That’s why restoration crews have to act quickly even for the more visible causes of water damage.

Otherwise, homeowners may have to deal with the hazards of mold after water damage. Mold can have various health impacts depending on the type, so homeowners should continue reading this guide to learn more. Hazards of mold.

The Most Common Types of Mold After Water Damage Sarasota homes are particularly prone to mold growth. The humid and warm climate favors the spores’ development. Homeowners should look for signs of mold growth in their homes after a pipe leak, a natural disaster, or a sprinkler system malfunction. Hazards of mold.

There are 100,000 different mold species, but some are more prevalent than others. Homeowners should be aware of these four types of mold after water damage:

Stachybotrys chartarum: This is the mold species commonly known as “black mold”. Despite its name, it has a blackish-green color. It usually grows on paper, fiberboard, dust, and lint in places where there is a leak or high humidity. Aspergillus: This mold species has a black appearance on the surface, but it is actually yellow or white underneath. It can cause respiratory health issues like black mold. Cladosporium: This mold species has an olive-green color. It may have some black or brown shades. It often forms in small dots, but they can merge into large patches. It is frequently found in bathroom leaks, but it can also appear on walls, floors, furniture, and more. Alternaria: This mold species is typically found outdoors, but it can enter the home with water damage. It has a velvety texture and a range of colors, from green to black. It may also have long, hair-like growth. Hazards of mold.

How to Spot Black Mold No one wants mold growing in their Sarasota home, but black mold is especially harmful, so homeowners should know how to identify it. It can rapidly grow in the dark, damp areas of any Florida home that has suffered a leak or another kind of water damage.

As the spores multiply and spread, they can be breathed in or absorbed through the skin. They can also travel around the house by attaching to clothing. When this happens, homeowners may notice:

A musty odor similar to that of decaying plants or vegetables Colored growth marks on floors, ceilings, or walls Water rings around the leak source, Hazards of mold.

The Risks of Mold After Water Damage Black mold is not the only dangerous mold. There are other types that can affect the health of humans and animals. Some molds are allergens that can cause nasal congestion, sore throat, and other mild allergy symptoms. Others are more toxic and cause more serious respiratory reactions. Hazards of mold.

For instance, black mold can cause sneezing, rashes, eye irritation, and nose and throat irritation. It can also cause headaches, chronic coughing, fatigue, and more. People who are allergic to this mold species may also experience nose and lung bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. Hazards of mold.

People with asthma may also have to worry about flare-ups triggered by other mold types. Different types of mold can cause inflammation, persistent illnesses, and other negative side effects. Even after the mold is removed, it may take some time for the body to heal from the toxin accumulation.

Homeowners who would like to learn more about how to prevent the dangers of mold after water damage should contact PuroClean of Bradenton. Their highly trained professionals offer mold removal and mitigation services along with their water damage restoration solutions. 
To get in contact with the contractors, homeowners should call their 24/7 emergency response line. They can also submit their project details through the online quote form if they have a matter that isn’t as urgent.

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