Iowa has experienced a lot of rainfall this year — 12 inches in just the last month! And with summer mere weeks away, the warm, damp conditions are the perfect breeding ground for mold. Here are some important things to remember about mold before you call ServiceMaster by Rice for mold removal and remediation services.
Common Signs of Mold in Your Home or Office
Mold thrives in dark, damp, warm environments. If you’ve had standing water in your home, from a leaky pipe or flooded basement for example, there is a strong possibility that mold may be growing, especially if the water was not cleaned up within 48 hours. While some mold is easily visible, other signs of mold include:
- unexplained health problems, such as allergic reactions, headaches, respiratory issues, and nose bleeds
- musty odors in parts of your home or offices
- dark spots on your walls, ceilings, or floors
If you notice any of the above signs in your home or business, call ServiceMaster by Rice right away. Our mold specialists will determine the severity of the conditions and promptly remove any standing water and the source of the mold.
Health Risks of Prolonged Mold Exposure
Please do not ignore evidence of mold. If left untreated, the mold will continue to grow, spread, and cause more severe health problems. As mentioned earlier, low exposure to mold can cause headaches, nose bleeds, itchy or watery eyes, or minor allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure, however, can lead to more serious chronic problems, especially if the mold is toxic.
A common type of toxic mold is black mold, which causes dangerous symptoms if ingested or inhaled. Chronic coughing, sneezing, headaches, and fatigue as well as irritation to the skin, mucus membranes, eyes, nose, and throat could be indicative of black mold poisoning. In more severe cases with prolonged exposure, black mold can cause nausea, vomiting, or bleeding in the lungs.
Professional Mold Removal from ServiceMaster by Rice
With thousands of different mold species and varying levels of health risks, it’s important to remove mold safely and quickly to protect you and your family. ServiceMaster by Rice has IICRC certified technicians who are trained to identify and contain areas of your home that have optimal conditions for mold growth. Our mold specialists then create a specific mold remediation plan that promptly removes the mold while keeping your family safe.
If you suspect mold is growing in your home, do not disturb the mold. Doing so could release mold spores in the air, making it more hazardous to your health and more difficult to remove.
With service areas extending to Des Moines, Okoboji, Fort Dodge, Atlantic, Carroll, Spencer, Cedar Rapids, and even Fairmont, Minnesota, ServiceMaster by Rice is here for all your commercial or residential water removal and mold remediation needs. Even if you do not see your location listed in one of our service areas, please give us a call and we will travel to your home or business.
