California is home to all kinds of mold. The most common type is black mold. Black mold is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of molds; however, most use it to describe Stachybotrys chartarum – a greenish/black mold that develops after a water leak, storm, or flooding. Here’s everything you want to know about mold growth in California and how calling a mold remediation company is your best resource.
What Exactly is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that, believe it or not, is essential to our natural environment. When it’s outdoors, mold helps break down organic matter such as decomposing plants and animals. While it’s an essential part of our ecosystem, it quickly transforms into a hazard once it spreads indoors.
This is because black mold releases mycotoxins – small molecules that can easily be transmitted through the air and inhaled/ingested. These can be harmful to our health.
Signs of Black Mold Exposure
Because of how easy it is to inhale these toxic spores, California residents suffering from black mold exposure may show the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Itchy/watery eyes
- Skin rashes and irritation
- Worsening of respiratory conditions such as asthma
- Anxiety/depression
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Sinus infections
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea/vomiting
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, anyone experiencing these symptoms whenever they walk into a certain room of the house may be suffering from black mold exposure.
Where Does Black Mold Grow in California?
Technically, black mold can grow anywhere. However, it prefers areas that are warm and full of moisture. As such, expect black mold to grow on tiles and in bathtubs, basements, attics, and in air conditioning units. Black mold thrives in humid, damp environments. This enables it to spread like wildfire.
How to Prevent Mold Growth in California
Because temperatures in California are so high, residents need to clean up as soon as they experience any sort of water damage to prevent mold growth.
Inspect your home for signs of black mold. Look for greenish/black spots on your walls, furniture, or ceilings. Next, make sure you can recognize other signs of mold growth such as foul, musky odors, or abnormally stuffy rooms. If something was damaged by water, promptly clean it and throw it out. For example, this may include area rugs, curtains, or clothing.
How Professional Mold Remediation Can Help
Chances are, you may not have the tools and resources you need to treat mold at the source. This is why professional mold remediation is so important. In addition to the right tools, mold professionals can differentiate between different types of mold so they can correctly treat it, too.
Furthermore, another benefit of hiring a professional is to you don’t have to clean it yourself. For example, mold may be in a hard-to-reach place, so you don’t have to struggle doing it yourself.
Does Your California Home Have Mold? Call the Team at California Steam Clean for an Appointment
Don’t battle mold yourself. Let the mold remediation team at California Steam Clean help. We have years of experience treating all sorts of mold and can get your home back to normal. Call us today at (707) 566-0315 to get your free estimate.
We proudly serve California residents. If you have mold, we can get rid of it.
