Finding mold in your home or business is frustrating at best, and at worst can cause serious health problems for your family and employees.
Mold is already a concern among homeowners, but it only worsens when dealing with an unknown source of mold. Mold remediation services from Jenkins Environmental are designed to identify the problem quickly so you can get your home back to normal, without worrying about costly rebuilds or any negative health effects. We offer fast, effective solutions for eliminating mold and preventing future mold growth in your home that require less work on your end.
If you smell or see mold in your home, it is time to take action. Mold exposure causes a variety of health problems, like asthma, recurring sinus infections, and other illnesses. Mold can spread quickly if it’s not addressed so it’s important to get it professionally removed before it’s too late.
What is Mold? Is it Dangerous?
Molds are a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. They break down dead plant and animal matter in the environment. Molds spread by producing tiny reproductive cells called spores and through a "root" system of hyphae. While our bodies are equipped to ingest and expel the natural amounts of mold spores found outdoors, we become overwhelmed when mold is allowed to proliferate in the indoor environment. When mold spores are present in large numbers, they may cause allergic symptoms like those cause by plant pollen.
✓ stuffy nose
✓ sore throat
✓ coughing or wheezing
✓ burning eyes, or skin rash
People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. People who live or work in buildings that are exposed to moisture and not adequately ventilated are more at risk of illnesses caused by mold.
Additionally, many more types produce toxic compounds called mycotoxins.
"Mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to both humans and livestock. The adverse health effects of mycotoxins range from acute poisoning to long-term effects such as immune deficiency and cancer." -World Health Organization, 2023.
There are two dangers to mold growth in your property. First, when old begins to grow, it feeds on the materials it is growing on, leading to irreversible damage. Second, mold can cause a number of illnesses by releasing spores and mycotoxins into the air, which can irritate or be the cause of many illnesses.
Mold Clean Up
Mold is a major problem for homeowners and businesses alike. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause serious health problems. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable mold clean-up company like Jenkins Environmental on your side. We have the experience and expertise to get rid of mold quickly and safely.
How do you know if you have a mold problem?
Mold Removal
The most obvious sign of mold is its visible presence. You may also be able to smell the mold in the air. If there is visible mold present, this should never be ignored. However, even if no signs of mold are apparent, it may still be present. This means that while you might not notice anything wrong, the mold could potentially be affecting your family members’ health. Sinus infection-like symptoms that are not present when you leave an environment are often an indicator of elevated mold in an area. It is also possible that the mold has been around longer than you think!
What Does Mold Look Like?
While mold growth can be obvious, it often starts as nothing more than a simple discoloration of walls or ceilings. It may look like speckled stains or small dots initially, then expand over time. Mold types vary in color but generally have texture such as fuzzy, hairy, or powdery, particularly when it is dry. Mold in areas of high moisture may take on a slimy appearance. There are several common issues that point towards a mold problem:
- Discolored walls or ceilings, often with a darker center and lighter edges.
- Irregular patches or spots, often spreading outward in clusters or streaks.
- A musty, earthy smell, or other bad smell.
- Water damage in the building can appear as staining or dampness before visible mold grows.
If you can see mold growth on a surface, it is already impacting the air. This can lead to allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and even lung infections. If your immune system is suppressed for any reason, mold can cause even worse issues.
What Does Mold Smell Like?
The smell of mold is one that many people describe as “musty”. It’s a stale and damp odor which lingers in the air. The first sighs of mold growth could be detected within 24 hours after a water intrusion in your home or office.
When this happens, you need to locate the root of the water intrusion and eliminate it. The quicker water is removed, the less time mold has to take a foothold. Mold can be harmful to your health. Those with asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of contracting mold, so when you smell something musty, find the source as soon as possible!
Can I Remove Mold Myself?
While some property owners will try to treat the mold with household cleaning products or spray bleach, this treatment will often cause mold to spread faster. It’s important to call a certified mold removal specialist immediately to keep the damage to a minimum. Only small amounts of mold in commonly wet areas such as showers and refrigerators should be cleaned by untrained personnel. Mold growing on walls, ceilings and cabinets or furnishings can be a sign of a systemic problem and should be inspected by a professional. If you have tried to remove mold growth and it returns, it is time to call the professionals at Jenkins Environmental.
Our certified Jenkins Environmental Professionals bring in specialized equipment to contain and remove any mold spores from the air. We will also identify any surfaces that have been impacted by mold and utilize industrial strength HEPA filtered vacuums to remove mold spores. HEPA filtered vacuuming, in conjunction with our innovative, and family-friendly antimicrobial products remove 99.97% of mold spores. In addition to this thorough cleaning of the affected surfaces, we identify and remove anything that cannot be completely cleared of mold. Wall material that is imbedded with mold or worse, mold has grown through from behind, may not be salvageable. Remediation may involve the removal of wallboards and insulation to access and remove hidden mold growth at its source, protect health, and ensure the long-term integrity and safety of the structure. An assigned project manager will walk you through any proposed removal to ensure that you’re fully informed about the process, protect your safety, and prepared to make any necessary repairs.
Jenkins Environmental also offers protective coatings to inhibit future mold growth. This helps keep treated areas mold-free in the long term.
Water Damage and Mold Repair
One of the leading causes of mold growth is improper water damage cleanup. If you have experienced mold due to a flood, sewer backup, or appliance failure, call the mold remediation experts at Jenkins Environmental. Our team will remove the mold and keep the air in your home healthy.
What can you do until help arrives?
You’re not completely helpless until a Jenkins Environmental professional arrives. Here are a few tips that can help minimize the spread of mold until it can be removed.
- Minimize air flow in the area by closing off vents and turning off fans.
- Close off the room, if possible, to avoid spreading spores into other areas of the property.
- Stay away from the affected area to avoid breathing heavy concentrations of mold.
- Allow fresh, outdoor air into the home when possible, to help dilute mold spores and reduce their impact on air quality.
