Mold Inspections: Preventing Mold in the Workplace
December 4th, 2014
Mold in the workplace can be hazardous to your employees health. Professional mold inspections are a great way to find sources of mold in your building, but how can it be prevented?
“Mold can be tricky to find because it can grow in so many places,” said Kathryn Hubicki, president of Get The Lead Out. “Knowing how to prevent these growths is a positive step to improving your work environment.”
An Overview of Mold
Molds are the most common forms of fungi found on earth. Fungi are different from plants or animals because they reproduce through the formation of spores. Spores are microscopic cells that float through the air, attach to areas of moisture and grow by feeding off of the surface material.
Since mold spores are airborne, humans can ingest these microscopic cells. In fact, we breathe a small amount of mold spores every day. Health problems begin to occur when they are ingested in more concentrated quantities.
It is impossible to eliminate all sources of mold and mold spores in an indoor area, but controlling the amount of mold present is possible. The most common sources of mold growth are near leaky pipes, in carpets, ceiling tiles, wall paper and wooden support beams. Mold can grow almost anywhere that is damp or wet.
How To Prevent Mold Growth
Controlling the amount of moisture present in your building is the most important step in preventing mold growth. The following areas are common trouble spots for mold and mold spore issues in the workplace.
- Overflowing or leaky gutters
- Leaking pipes
- Windows and doorways
- Areas of high humidity (such as basements)
- Areas with low ventilation
The ideal humidity level to prevent mold growth is between 20 and 60 percent – areas above 70 percent are likely to cause issues. Routinely check for leaks or areas where water is collecting. Finally, workspaces with machinery that produces heat, especially driers, should be very well ventilated. Circulating cool/dry air will help to eliminate environmental factors that could cause mold growth.
Does Your Business Have a Mold Problem? Trust Professional Mold Inspections
If your business is showing signs of mold growth, it is important to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Get The Lead Out has a team of experts who have years of experience with performing mold inspections, locating all sources of mold and safely treating all affected areas. From there, we can offer solutions to prevent future growth.
Located in Charlotte, we have the capability to serve homeowners across the Carolinas. To learn more or to schedule your inspection, please call (704) 376-3594.