In Toronto, mould removal is a common problem to many homeowners and business owners most especially for properties located in moist and humid areas. The growth of mould can be caused by moisture problems, such as those stemming from roof leaks, flooding, plumbing leaks, and dampness due to excessive humidity.
Many people actually live in a home or occupy a building that has mould and never really become aware that it is there. They don’t notice the warning signs until the mould has spread extensively to a point where they are suddenly sick and experiencing recurring health problems.
Here are some signs to help you become aware that there is a mould colony growing in your home or building:
Do you see mould?
Visible mould growth is of course the most obvious warning sign that there is mould growing. There are many species of mould and they can all appear differently. They can look thick, dry and crumbly or slimy or appear cotton-like or as clusters of small black spots. Mould can also come in varying degrees of color - white, black, green, red, orange, pink or purple and can even be gray-brown or gray-green.
If you see slimy black spots on your bathroom tiles, or fuzzy white patches on your airconditioner or humidifier, or a slimy orange film growing behind your wallpaper, don’t ignore them. Many homeowners dismiss these small amounts of mould growth as just dirt or grime. You need to remove small patches of mould right away to prevent them from spreading. Also take into consideration that any visible sign of mould growth can be an indication that there is a much larger mould colony growing in some area that is hidden from view.
Do you smell a musty, mouldy odor?
Not all mould can be detected by the naked eye. In some cases, the first warning signs of mould growth is when there is a musty smell that won’t go away. The smell is usually confined in one area, you may notice the unpleasant odor only when you are in or near that area. Mould and mildew emit a musty odor when they build up and release foul gasses in the air. Have your home or building inspected right away when you notice a consistent strong smell around your home or building to prevent the mould from growing and spreading into other areas.
Do you have health problems that flare up or worsen when you’re at home?
Another warning sign that you may have an indoor mould growth is when you or a family member develops a sudden flare up of allergy symptoms. You may not have an allergy, but all of a sudden suffer allergic reactions, such as a runny nose, inflamed eyes, skin irritation, coughing, nasal congestion and sneezing. You notice that symptoms get better when you are out of the house, and then start off abruptly when you are back at home. The presence of mould can also trigger asthma attacks in people who are not asthma sufferers, and make symptoms worse in those who have asthmatic conditions. Some types of mould can release toxic substances that can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact and may cause severe respiratory problems and even lung cancer.
It’s important to take precautions to safeguard your health. If you suspect that your home or building has an indoor growth of mould, you need to call in a professional mould removal in the Toronto area to have it removed right away. Once the mould is removed, take the necessary steps to fix any moisture and humidity problems to prevent mould from growing all over again.
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