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The Ordinary
Fungi and mold
naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been
identified.
Mold produces some
wonderful results. Yeast is a form of mold used in preparing breads, baked goods,
and other food products including some alcoholic beverages. The unique flavor of
bleu cheese is a result of mold. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and
life-saving penicillin is a product of mold (Penicillium chrysogenum).
As with many things
that provide value to our lives, excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, or
exposure to molds by some people may present health concerns.
The Out of the Ordinary
Intrusion of water
into your home or place of business is an out of the ordinary event. This could
result from either a water incursion from long-standing leaks or from poor humidity
control.  A water damage situation offers opportunities for mold spores that are
normally present on surfaces to grow and multiply, and it is one of the reasons for
promptly drying any water damage. Moisture and humidity levels may be increased in a
structure that has experienced a water damage. Organic materials found inside a
building, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation, provide food sources for molds
(given an adequate amount of moisture) to flourish. A water damage that is left
unattended for any period of time may lead to mold growth, which, in turn, leads to indoor
environmental conditions that are "out of the ordinary".
Health Concerns
Health concerns may
arise when excessive mold has grown indoors. Concerns are more likely to arise when
"At Risk" individuals are exposed to mold growth. "At Risk"
people can include immune suppressed or compromised
 individuals, young children, and individuals with
chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and severe allergies. Some types
of mold may cause a runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, aggravation of asthma,
headache, or fatigue. In some situations, there may be more serious health
concerns.
Molds are naturally
present in wood, cellulose, and paper products. When these items are exposed to
moisture, molds can flourish and grow. The most important safeguard against mold
growth is to remove excess moisture. Also, excessive moisture should not be allowed
to remain in a building over a long period of time.
Help Has Arrived
The SERVPRO®
franchise technician will be on alert for any visible signs of mold. In the event
mold is found, an on-site technician may recommend that you leave the affected area while
the mold cleanup and associated containment process is being safely completed.
 You will also be asked to
sign and approve the work prior to the mold cleanup and related work being performed.
In the event the
SERVPRO® franchise technician identifies extensive mold growth,
additional assistance may be required. Your on-site technician may not be able to
proceed with mold mitigation services in all instances. Some situations require the
services of an Indoor Air Quality/Industrial Hygienist professional and specialized
equipment. Services may be required to assess and/or repair your property. You
may wish to consult your adjuster about obtaining the services of an Indoor Air
Quality/Industrial Hygienist professional to provide assistance.
Precautions
SERVPRO®
franchise technicians handle water damages every day. Prompt action is required to
prevent new mold growth. Mold is more likely to be prevalent where moisture has been
affecting an environment for a long period of time. If your property has sustained a
recent water damage, it is vital to have the water removed and the structure dried
promptly.
If you have
experienced an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert to
the following factors:
- The presence of visible mold
- Strong, musty odors indicating mold
may be present
- Any evidence of past moisture problems
that might indicate previous mold growth
- Excessive humidity
These conditions may
indicate the need for a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Industrial Hygienist professional to
inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems.
Indoor Air Quality/Industrial
Hygienist Professionals
Indoor Air
Quality/Industrial Hygienist professionals evaluate the indoor environment. Some
specialize and are skilled in testing buildings for the presence of mold. Using
various testing devices, these professionals collect air and surface samples to compare
the indoor mold spore count to the outdoor environment. You may wish to consult a
qualified Indoor Air Quality/Industrial Hygienist professional.
To learn more about
these indoor air quality issues, visit the following web sites:
SERVPRO®
cares about you. In most water damages, a serious mold problem is not present, and
SERVPRO® can safely restore your building to pre-damage
condition. Whether a mold problem is present or serious can only be determined by an
on-site indoor environmental inspection. Do keep in mind that SERVPRO®
franchises do not interpret insurance policies or coverage. You must consult with
your insurance company to determine the scope of policy coverage.
Thank you for
considering SERVPRO® as your water damage restoration company.
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