What is Mold?
Mold can grow anywhere that moisture is present. Mold grows on things like paper, food, wood, tiles, carpet, furniture ,and even insulation. Mold breeds and multiplies in warm moist places. Schools and office buildings are the perfect breeding ground for mold to take root and bloom. Once there is mold present the spores can spread through the air and find other damp locations to grow in.
Prevention: How to prevent mold in schools and office buildings:
Control the moisture levels indoors to decrease the opportunity for mold to grow.
Fix leaks as soon as they are identified
Be aware of where condensation builds, take measures to eliminate moisture
Keep all ventilation and air conditioning drip pans cleaned
Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60%. Ideally 30-50%
Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance
Vent all moisture generating appliances
When identifying and remediating mold it is important to ensure your highest priority is the safety and health of all of the buildings occupants. It is crucial to start the mold remediation process immediately after you have identified the problem.
Negative Side Effects: Mold exposure can cause negative side effects such as
Headaches
Asthma
Rashes
Throat irritation
Coughing
Weezing
Eye irritation
Code-Compliant Mold Removal & Remediation in Florida
Unlike other hazardous materials such as asbestos, there are no clear regulations for "clearance levels" when conducting mold removal and remediation in Florida. However, the EPA has provided these goals for contractors seeking to perform successful mold remediation.
Caution
If there is any existing lung or respiratory conditions the person is susceptible to serious lung infection. If children are exposed to mold for prolonged periods of time such as a moldy classroom, these children have been shown to develop asthma. This information was brought forward by the institute for medicine