{"id":19566,"date":"2024-08-14T16:04:38","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T16:04:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/?post_type=blog&amp;p=19566"},"modified":"2024-08-14T16:04:38","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T16:04:38","slug":"hidden-mold-detecting-and-addressing-unseen-infestations","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/blog\/hidden-mold-detecting-and-addressing-unseen-infestations\/","title":{"rendered":"Hidden Mold: Detecting and Addressing Unseen Infestations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>At least <a href=\"https:\/\/realtimelab.com\/mold-statistics\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">45 million buildings in the United States have unhealthy levels of mold<\/a>, and these unwanted fungal guests can be especially prevalent with <a href=\"https:\/\/insideclimatenews.org\/news\/28072023\/record-rain-chicago-flood-resiliency\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chicagoland\u2019s humid climate, frequent heavy rainfall<\/a>, and abundant historic structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When most home or business owners think of mold, they think of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/blog\/what-is-green-mold-and-is-it-dangerous\/\">slimy green patches<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/blog\/understanding-the-dangers-of-black-mold-health-risks-and-removal-strategies\/\">the dreaded black mold<\/a> that\u2019s often visible to the naked eye. However, the most insidious form of mold is the kind that hides in plain sight: lurking behind walls, under floors, and within concealed spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/blog\/detecting-mold-signs-and-symptoms-in-your-living-spaces\/\">These unseen infestations can pose serious health risks<\/a> and lead to significant structural damage if not promptly detected and addressed. Let\u2019s explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobvila.com\/articles\/how-to-test-for-mold\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">how to detect hidden mold<\/a>, the risks associated with it, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/services\/mold-removal\/\">effective strategies for remediation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Silent Threat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/mold\/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mold thrives in damp, dark environments<\/a>. When water damage occurs due to a flood, leaky roof, or burst pipe, the stage is set for an explosion of growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hidden mold refers to fungal growth that occurs in areas not readily accessible, such as behind walls, under flooring, inside ceiling tiles, in dark basements, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hvac.com\/expert-advice\/mold-in-hvac-systems-and-ductwork\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">your HVAC system<\/a>. These infestations can develop due to excess moisture problems, the aftermath of a natural disaster, or high humidity levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike visible mold, hidden infestations can go unnoticed for extended periods, allowing the problem to worsen and potentially causing more extensive damage. The consequences can be severe, impacting both the building\u2019s integrity and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mold-in-house\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the well-being of its occupants<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are red flags to watch out for that can signal unseen problems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Musty odors: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/blog\/odor-elimination-whats-that-stink\/\">A persistent, earthy smell can be a telltale sign of mold growth<\/a>, even if you can&#8217;t see it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Asthma-like symptoms:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/mold-allergy\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20351519\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Respiratory problems, allergies, or unexplained illnesses<\/a> could be linked to mold exposure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water intrusion indicators: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobvila.com\/articles\/signs-of-water-damage-in-walls\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Discoloration, peeling paint, or warping of walls<\/a>, floors, or ceilings can suggest hidden moisture issues and potential mold growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structural damage: <\/strong>In severe cases, mold can destroy wood, drywall, and other building and furnishing materials, leading to costly repairs or loss of property \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/facilityexecutive.com\/mold-a-hidden-threat\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">mold ruins more raw material every year than all fires and termites combined<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sick Building Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/sick-building-syndrome\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a collection of symptoms<\/a> people can experience after spending time inside certain homes or business environments, such as headaches, fatigue, or skin irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) coined the term in 1983 and many papers have been published about this phenomenon. According to the American Lung Association, the average person spends 90% of their time inside houses, offices, schools, and other buildings, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/media\/press-releases\/on-average,-americans-spend-90-of-their-time-indo\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">where pollution levels can be 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor environments<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fungal spores can contribute to SBS, and there is no safe level of indoor mold exposure. Even small amounts can be dangerous for children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nolo.com\/legal-encyclopedia\/toxic-mold-basics-29685.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Certain molds are toxigenic<\/a>, meaning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/mycotoxins#:~:text=Mycotoxins%20are%20toxic%20compounds%20that,dried%20fruits%2C%20nuts%20and%20spices.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">they can produce toxins (mycotoxins)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to note that different individuals may react differently to the presence of mold and mildew, and some people may be more sensitive than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Taking Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/home-improvement\/home-emergencies\/mold-inspection-cost\/#:~:text=The%20stuff%20is%20nasty%20and,the%20job%20with%20removal%20options.&amp;text=Looking%20For%20Background%2DChecked%20Home,highly%20rated%20pros%20near%20you.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">A professional mold inspection can be invaluable for property owners<\/a> when it comes to detecting this hidden enemy. These inspections involve the use of specialized equipment, such as moisture meters and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/buying-guides\/best-thermal-imaging-camera\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">thermal imaging cameras<\/a>, to identify areas of moisture that could encourage mold growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional mold inspectors can collect air samples to analyze for elevated levels of spores, and swab or tape lift samples can be taken from suspicious areas for laboratory analysis to identify the species. This knowledge can assist with remediation and restoration efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once hidden mold has been identified, it&#8217;s essential to address it promptly. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/blog\/why-do-we-need-a-professional-restoration-services-contractor\/\">Mold remediation is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and training<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is isolating the affected area to prevent the spread of spores and remove any contaminated materials. Next, it\u2019s crucial to <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.uga.edu\/publications\/detail.html?number=C1047-1&amp;title=preventing-mold-in-your-home\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">identify and fix the underlying moisture problem to prevent future fungal issues<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our experts will thoroughly clean and disinfect affected surfaces using appropriate antimicrobial products. We use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/what-hepa-filter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration<\/a> to remove airborne mold spores, with the goal of restoring your home or business completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Looking Forward<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After successful mold remediation, it&#8217;s vital to take steps to prevent mold from returning. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Repairing water leaks quickly: <\/strong>Addressing any plumbing or roofing issues that contributed to the mold problem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improving ventilation: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/improving-ventilation-home.html#:~:text=Here%20are%20some%20ways%20you,example%2C%20an%20extra%20hour).\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ensuring adequate airflow in all areas of your property<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Managing humidity: <\/strong>Using dehumidifiers or air conditioners to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/lower-home-humidity-7548571\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">maintain optimal indoor humidity levels<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regular inspections: <\/strong>Conducting routine inspections to identify potential mold issues early on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hidden mold can pose a significant threat to your family and property, especially in the Chicago area\u2019s unique climate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indoor air quality in older homes, businesses, and apartment buildings can have a serious effect on the health of the residents and tenants, so it\u2019s important to schedule regular mold inspections and work with an experienced mold remediation team like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\">PuroClean of Evanston<\/a>.<br><br>Our skilled and compassionate technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/contact\/\">save our emergency contact info now!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At least 45 million buildings in the United States have unhealthy levels of mold, and these unwanted fungal guests can be especially prevalent with Chicagoland\u2019s humid climate, frequent heavy rainfall,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":728,"featured_media":19567,"template":"","blog-category":[15],"class_list":["post-19566","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-category-mold-restoration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/19566","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/728"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/19566\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19567"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=19566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}