Why homeowners report increased number of mold issues in Montreal

increased number of mold issues

People today are more conscious about their health than ever before. You are in constant defence mode when you are outdoors and indoors, trying to protect yourself and your family from any health risks. Spending a lot of time indoors in recent times has also contributed to people paying attention to their indoor environment with a report of increased number of mold issues in Montreal.

It’s easy to assume that you are safe from air pollution when you are in your house. But the truth is, air pollution also happens indoors. Today some of the common indoor air pollutants in Montreal include:

  • Mold
  • Gas
  • Secondhand smoke from tobacco
  • Asbestos
  • Stoves
  • Chemicals from cleaning detergents

This article will talk about mold, which is among the top causes of indoor air pollution. First, let’s look at why indoor air quality is essential.

Importance of indoor air quality

Did you know that you spend about 90% of your life indoors? Think about it, when you go to work, to the supermarket, your home, you are almost always indoors. Studies have shown indoor air pollutants can be up to five times more damaging than outdoor air pollutants.

Do you always have headaches, mild coughs, or eye allergies when in your home? Sometimes these could be short-term symptoms of poor indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality can also lead to some long-term illnesses. However, research about the health effects of poor indoor quality is still ongoing.

Clean air indoors creates a safe and healthy environment for everyone. This might mean more productivity in the workplace and the home; this means a healthy family. 

So how does mold affect indoor air quality?

Mold is a microbial fungus with invisible spores. There are several ways mold can enter your home including, air currents, people, and pets. Mold will grow in a damp and poorly ventilated area and can grow anywhere in the house.

As Mold Busters Montreal reported, there is an increased number of severe mold issues in the areas around us. Mold is a real threat to indoor air quality among homeowners. It can lead to significant property damage and numerous health issues. When the fungus grows, it produces allergens and sometimes toxic substances like mycotoxins that can significantly reduce your indoor air quality.

When you inhale the allergens and the toxic substances, you can experience some of the common symptoms aforementioned in this article. The symptoms might show up immediately, or they can be delayed depending on the level of exposure.

How do you know if you have mold?

Besides the usual irritations and allergies, it can be challenging to detect or spot mold in your house. As mentioned earlier, a damp and poorly ventilated home is the best environment for mold to grow. If you have any damp spots on the walls or ceilings in your house, that should be the first place you check.

Mold spots are usually green or black with an earthy smell. You might think it’s a simple wall stain, but if it has any of those characteristics, then it’s probably mold growth. You should also investigate where there are any water leaks and wall peelings on the walls.

However, the best way to know whether you have mold in your house is to contact experts. A professional company will test the air quality and tell you if you have mold or not. Large and hidden mold can be difficult to spot on your own, so it’s always best to contact professionals.

How to get rid of mold

You can always clean small and medium patches less than 3m2, but you need to take the necessary health precautions to do it. To safely remove small mold patches in your home, you should:

  • Wear safety glasses and disposable gloves
  • Isolate the affected area with tape or plastic sheeting
  • Ensure other people are not in the area, especially those prone to allergies
  • Vacuum the spot before you start cleaning
  • Clean the area with water and detergent. Use a damp cloth when cleaning drywall to avoid making it wet.

Do not attempt to clean large mold-infested areas on your own as they might not be safe. You should always get professionals to do the job adequately and to help you prevent further mold infestations.

As a homeowner, don’t wait to fix any water leakage problems in your home. Ensure that you have free airflow in your home and keep humidity levels low to avoid mold growth in your home.

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