The growth of mold across the U.S. has become a major issue but the state of Florida has seen many major issues with mold spores growing as the high levels of humidity seen in areas such as Clearwater Florida. In recent times, even local government buildings such as fire stations have been affected by mold growth with the Palm Beach Post stating two of five fire stations in the South Florida community of Boynton Beach affected by severe black mold growth affecting the health of firefighters. The community is now looking at ways of researching whether firefighter’s health has been affected after dead mice were discovered during a routine air conditioning inspection in one fire station.
What is mold?
One of the problems facing the residents of communities such as Clearwater Florida is the fact mold is a common issue in outdoor areas across the state because of the high-humidity across the area. Mold growth is a part of the outdoor environment with spores found in the natural landscape used to break down plant matter and waste in a natural and efficient way.
The main issue the people of Clearwater Florida face is the fact mold growth can occur on a regular basis within homes and buildings because of high humidity levels through the state. Mold Zero states the most serious form of mold is commonly referred to as Stachybotrys or black mold which causes a high level of allergic reactions often rated at as much as ten percent of the general population. This form of mold is often present when water leaks indoors or the humidity levels in a property are above 20 percent.
Cleanup should be done by a professional
The EPA states the major issue of mold should be cleaned up depending on the overall size of the affected areas which should be inspected by a mold expert such as those at Mold Zero. An area of fewer than three square feet can be addressed by a homeowner or renter looking to eliminate the issues themselves but for larger areas, the problem should only be addressed by a professional cleanup company capable of addressing the issue safely and effectively. A common mistake is seen by many Clearwater homeowners as they use bleach to remove mold spores from their homes without realizing all that happens is the spores move from black to a lighter color blending into the walls of a property.
Effects on health
Florida Health reports the development of mold can have an adverse effect on the health of an individual who is often seen to have issues with their respiratory system when they breathe in large amounts of mold spores for a prolonged period of time. For many individuals, health issues include the symptoms of a cold which refuse to leave and many eyes and sinus irritation problems along with other seeing issues with concentration and fatigue problems because of the inhalation of mold spores.
Keep humidity levels low
There are many problems seen with mold growth in homes across Florida where residents have seen spores develop without being inspected and eliminated for a prolonged period of time. Water is seen as the key to the development of mold spores as dirt and water must combine to encourage the growth of mold in its many forms. Fortunately, the black mold many Florida residents see in their bathrooms is not actually the most dangerous form of black mold but can still cause health issues if left unchecked.
In Florida, mold spores have been a problem for a number of decades because of the high levels of humidity seen outdoors in the state. When water is present within a commercial or residential building in much of Florida humidity levels rise indoors meaning Mold Zero experts are left with the problem of cleaning up these issues which can remain in place for many years causing health problems for residents in the long term.