BLOGS

Mold problems are common in damp and poorly-ventilated buildings. A form of fungus, mold growth can lead to different types of problems, including damage to buildings and furniture. It can also cause health issues such as eye irritation and nasal congestion. Being informed about the causes and risks of mold and how to prevent it can help you successfully deal with the problem.

As one of the leading wall fans manufacturers, we have curated some of the frequently asked questions about mold and their answers:

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that lives where there is excessive moisture on a surface or humidity in the air. Mold is found both indoors and outdoors.

Where does mold grow?

Mold commonly grows in areas that are prone to moisture such as bathrooms and attics. However, mold can also grow in hidden areas such as behind walls, under the floor and in the air conditioning system.

How does mold affect a property?

Mold feeds on organic materials, such as wood, paper and fabric. It eats away at these materials, causing them to rot and fall apart. Mold can damage furniture, carpets, wooden studs in the walls and ceilings. When left unchecked for too long, mold can even cause structural damage to the building, causing the walls or ceilings to collapse.

How does mold affect people?

Mold is not just foul-smelling and unsightly, it is also bad for your health. Exposure to some types of molds can lead to symptoms such as a stuffy nose, wheezing and itchy eyes or skin. This particularly happens with people suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma.

How to remove mold buildup?

Removing mold efficiently is not as easy as many people think. One needs to take proper precautions while doing the cleaning. Some of the instructions are:

• The person must wear protective clothing to reduce mold exposure - they need to wear a mask, face shield and PPE.
• They need to clean the mold with a mixture of detergent and water. However, this is only applicable if the mold patch is small.
• As mold inhalation can lead to health problems, large patches of mold should be removed only by qualified professionals to make sure it is done safely and properly.

How to prevent mold growth?

Here are a few things one can do to prevent mold:

1. Fix moisture problems: Repair leaks in the walls, roof, gutters and plumbing pipes.
2. Keep indoor humidity in check: Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, to reduce moisture in the air.
3. Use exhaust fans in moisture-prone areas: To remove moisture from bathrooms and kitchens, use exhaust fans. To keep crawl spaces, attics and small spaces dry, walls fans can be quite useful.