Humidity can be caused by lingering water after a flood or simply the weather. A sudden storm, a broken pipe, a leaky water heater are all common household problems that cause extra humidity. Excess moisture can provide the optimal environment for mold and bacterial growth. Mold and bacterial growth can bring potential health problems such as headaches, sudden asthma, coughing, phlegm and other respiratory ailments. A dark area, a source of water and a place with no moving air will give mold the opportunity to flourish. Crawl spaces underneath and behind walls are a breading ground for mold. If left alone long enough a whole colony can develop.
Humidity: A Word of Caution
Standing water should always be dried up and eliminated. Mold can be very serious because it can grow from a single spore into a thriving colony in a matter of 48 days. Mold gives off its spores in the air, and breathing them can be very unhealthy for humans. Bacteria can cause the same type of issues. If these organisms thrive, they can get into the ventilation system of a home or business and contaminate the circulating air.
If any type of water damage occurs at a home, the best solution is to locate an experienced water damage contractor that will look into the issue, assess the level of water damage, determine if mold removal will be necessary, and bring in the professional equipment that can completely and safely eliminate the humidity that gets into those hard to reach places and if needed, can completely eliminate any noxious fumes and spores, so that the necessary repairs could be made and the area can be totally cleaned and left as if nothing happened.
Go to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to locate a certified professional in your area or verify their certification.
