Water damage not only causes structural damage but it also affects human beings and animals in a lot of ways. It can lower the quality of indoor air, provide conditions for the growth of molds, act as a breeding ground for insects and can contaminate drinking water. The most common effect is the growth of molds.

Molds

Molds are microscopic fungi that thrive on damp places. When some part of the house is damp or has water seepage, one can find molds in such places. They are characterized by a slight discoloration on the walls and a strong musty odor. This is a common problem in American houses. More than 1000 types of molds thrive inside houses in America.

Kinds of Molds

There are many different kinds of molds. Here they are based on their impact on human beings:

* Allergenic Molds

* Pathogenic Molds

* Toxigenic Molds

Allergenic Molds cause allergies or mild-irritations to allergy-prone and asthmatic people. They are not life-threating in any way. They may cause some respiratory problems, mild irritations to eye and throat and in some rare cases mild rashes.

Pathogenic Molds can cause some type of infection especially in people whose immune system is compromised. It normally affects children, pregnant women, people who are ill and elderly people. Healthy individuals normally have resistance against pathogenic molds. However, high exposure to pathogenic molds can cause respiratory problems.

Toxigenic Molds, as the name implies, is toxic and can have a serious impact on the health of human beings and animals. The effect of these molds range from temporary irritation to cancer. They are commonly called as "Black Mold" because they are black and slimy. They produce toxins that can be very harmful.

Reasons For The Growth Of Molds

Molds just require some amount of moisture to thrive. So, they thrive not only in hot and humid climate but also in cold climate, provided they have the minimum amount of moisture.

Water damage can occur due to a variety of reasons. This can provide the right kind of moisture needed for the growth of molds. Molds can also grow in moisture that condenses out of air. Warm air usually has more moisture than cold air. However, when this cold air comes in contact with warm insulation from inside the house, the moisture content is increased, resulting in the growth of molds. It is best to ensure that the source of water damage is identified and rectified immediately.

Mold Removal

The primary step is to identify the area where molds thrive. Molds are characterized by a musty odor. The next step is to clean the mold and plug the source of water damage. If they are found in basement, then HEPA filters can be used to remove the moisture and improve air circulation. Sometimes, they can be found on wet carpets. Then the solution is to hire a professional carpet cleaner who can clean out all the molds. They can also be found on damp woods or other places that have been exposed to considerable moisture. There are various organic products available in the market to remove molds. But it is better to hire professional help. The trained people can remove molds and fix the cause of water damage.