Mold Exposure Symptoms from Water Damage: A Guide for Residents of Ocala, FL & The Villages, FL
websitebuilder • September 20, 2024
Water damage, whether from a leaky pipe, a flood, or even high humidity, is a common problem in the warm and humid climate of Ocala, FL and The Villages, FL. Unfortunately, water damage often leads to another, more insidious issue: mold growth. While mold may initially seem like a cosmetic problem, it poses significant health risks and can lead to various symptoms. Understanding these symptoms and their connection to water damage is vital for protecting your health and well-being.
At PUDDLES Restoration, we're committed to helping you recognize and address mold-related health issues, ensuring your home or business is a safe environment. In this guide, we will discuss the common symptoms of mold exposure, the connection between water damage and mold growth, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of mold.
The Unseen Culprit: Mold and its Health Effects
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments. It reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can be inhaled or come into contact with your skin. While some people are more sensitive to mold than others, prolonged exposure can cause a range of health issues, including:
- Respiratory Problems: Mold exposure can trigger or worsen respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. In people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, mold exposure can lead to serious complications.
- Allergic Reactions: Mold can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, leading to sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. These symptoms can be particularly severe in people with allergies or asthma.
- Irritations: Mold can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, even in people who aren't allergic to it.
- Headaches and Fatigue: Exposure to mold can lead to headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life and productivity.
- Neurological Symptoms: In some cases, mold exposure has been linked to neurological symptoms like memory loss, mood swings, and tremors. These symptoms can be particularly concerning and warrant immediate medical attention.
Water Damage: The Breeding Ground for Mold
Water damage, regardless of its source, creates a perfect environment for mold growth. Excess moisture provides the ideal conditions for mold spores to germinate and thrive. If left unaddressed, even minor water damage can lead to a significant mold problem in a matter of days.
Common sources of water damage in Ocala, FL and The Villages, FL include:
- Leaky roofs and plumbing: Heavy rains and storms can cause roof leaks, while plumbing issues like burst pipes or overflowing toilets can lead to water damage in various areas of your property.
- Flooding: Our region is susceptible to flooding during hurricane season or heavy rainfall. Floodwaters can cause extensive damage and create a breeding ground for mold.
- High humidity: The naturally humid climate in Florida can contribute to moisture buildup and mold growth, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
- Condensation: Condensation on windows, pipes, or walls can create dampness that encourages mold to grow.
The Connection Between Water Damage and Mold Symptoms
If you've experienced water damage in your home or business, it's crucial to be vigilant about the potential for mold growth and its associated health risks. The symptoms of mold exposure can sometimes be mistaken for other health issues, such as allergies or a common cold. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, especially after water damage, it's important to consider mold exposure as a possible cause.
Here's how water damage can contribute to mold-related health problems:
- Mold Spore Release: As mold grows, it releases spores into the air, which can be inhaled or come into contact with your skin, leading to allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
- Mycotoxins: Some types of mold produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances that can cause serious health problems, including neurological symptoms and immune system suppression.
- Dampness and Humidity: Water damage often creates damp and humid conditions, which can exacerbate existing respiratory problems and make people more susceptible to mold-related illnesses.
Protecting Your Health: What to Do if You Suspect Mold Exposure
If you're experiencing symptoms of mold exposure, especially after water damage, it's important to take action to protect your health:
- Consult a doctor: If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, consult a doctor to discuss your concerns and rule out other potential causes.
- Address the water damage: The first step in minimizing mold growth is to address the source of water damage promptly. Repair leaks, dry out wet areas, and remove any damaged materials that can't be salvaged.
- Professional mold remediation: If you suspect or discover mold, it's best to call in a professional mold remediation company like PUDDLES Restoration. We have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove mold and minimizing its return.
- Improve ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your home or business to reduce humidity levels and discourage mold growth.
- Regular cleaning: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup.
- Mold-resistant materials: Consider using mold-resistant building materials and finishes when repairing or renovating your property.
PUDDLES Restoration: Your Partner in Mold Remediation
At PUDDLES Restoration, we understand the dangers of mold and the importance of a healthy indoor environment. Our team of certified professionals is equipped to handle all aspects of mold remediation. We'll work diligently to ensure your property is safe and free of mold, so you can breathe easy and enjoy peace of mind.
Contact us today and let us help you protect your health and property from the harmful effects of mold.
Call us today! 352-722-3790
What Happened A contractor in Williston, Florida stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Belleview, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Ocala, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
What Happened Ocala, Fl: An elderly mother’s cat repeatedly urinated throughout the house, including on the carpet. When the mother passed away, the daughter inherited the house. Unfortunately, the daughter was unable to sell the house because prospective buyers complained about the odor . Given Florida’s temperature and humidity levels, it was not surprising that the odor remained in Ocala, FL. PUDDLES is often asked if we use an ozone machine to remove odors. According to the EPA, “When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation.” See https://www.epa.gov/.../ozone-generators-are-sold-air... “Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.” Id. “There is a large body of written material on ozone and the use of ozone indoors. However, much of this material makes claims or draws conclusions without substantiation and sound science. … Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims … Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces.” Id. Because ozone can kill living things, such as plants, pets, and YOU; we do not use ozone machines. What We Did Removed the glued down carpet Utilize chlorine dioxide Implemented a Hydroxyl Machine Added a HEPA Air Scrubber with a charcoal filter Sprayed the entire house (walls and floors) with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial Fogged the entire house with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial approved for fogging Even if you do not plan to be in the property while the ozone machine is operational, ozone also breaks down organic substance, and rubber, plastics, fabrics, paint, and metals. That Gucci or Louis V handbag you love can deteriorate.
What Happened After removing the old flooring from a home in Belleview, Florida , the flooring company uncovered water on the slab that was trapped under the underlayment. Unbeknownst to the homeowner, water was slowly penetrating the vertical exterior walls via hairline fractures. Both the cracks in the stucco and in the concrete slab itself were resolved, but the flooring company wanted the concrete slab moisture levels below a specific percentage. What We Did Florida tends to have elevated levels of humidity, including Belleview, Florida. To increase the drying efficiency, we sealed all the windows throughout the house with 4 mil plastic to prevent any moisture penetration. We placed a Phoenix DryMax XL Pro dehumidifier and a Dri-Eaz Stealth AV3000 axial air mover in each room. We also implemented the use of a heater to increase the internal temperature slowly to draw the moisture out of the concrete.
Homeowners in Crystal River and West Central Florida dealing with insurance claims related to water damage and mold can trust PUDDLES Restoration for assistance. Learn about the complexities of the process and how we can help in this blog article.
WE REMOVED AND DISCARDED THE AFFECTED MATERIALS, CLEANED THE SUBSTRATE, THEN ENCAPSULATED RESULTING IN A CLEAN PRV.
The Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) certification covers scoping, mitigation, cleaning, deodorization, subrogation, spoliation, documentation of residential and commercial fire and smoke damaged structures and contents. Upon completing this certification, you demonstrate that you are prepared to perform and document cleaning and deodorization of typical residential or commercial fire and smoke damage projects. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@ PUDDLES restoration.com Website: www. PUDDLES restoration.com
The Health and Safety Technician (HST) certification covers occupational health and safety. This certification demonstrates competency in cleaning, maintenance, and restoration industries concerning the Global Harmonized System (GHS) and health and safety principles. The certification covers engineering and administrative controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment used in each specific industry or trade. The certification promotes the importance of hazard and risk assessments and implementing controls on the identified hazards. The hierarchy of hazard controls is emphasized so that eliminating, reducing, and controlling hazards will become the focus of health and safety instead of just regulatory compliance. Upon achieving the certification, the technician demonstrates the skills, knowledge, and awareness needed to save lives and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses and recognize and appreciate the value of health and safety on the job. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@ PUDDLES restoration.com Website: www. PUDDLES restoration.com
