Just because we live in the desert, does not mean our health and homes are safe from mold. Darkness, oxygen, moisture, warmth, time, and food source (eg wood, drywall) is all that mold spores need to grow. The end of September was a wet one for the residents of New Mexico, and we should be on the look out for mold.

Commonly sneezing, headache, itching and watery eyes, itchy and redness of skin are reported symptoms of short term mold exposure. The longer you are exposed to mold the severe symptoms become and more issues arise. If a person is exposed long enough to mold they run a risk of brain damage, blindness and even death.

If a home is poorly ventilated you run the risk of creating an environment in which mold can grow. Leaky pipes is a common causes of mold, along with wet clothes. When heavy rains occur a flooding in basements that is not properly dried out condensation can occur, encouraging growth at the home’s foundation as well. If your roof is leaking that water can drain downs towards your foundation and cause mold even without a basement attached.

You can tell if you might have mold in your home if you notice a moldy odor. If you have had leaking or water pipes bursting chances of growing mold increase. Actual symptoms in household members can be a sign of mold present in the home. Past flooding also raises your risk factor. Often times a small patch of mold can be seen, immediate action is suggested to remove it and halt the progress of growth and spreading through your home. STOP Restoration (Service Team of Professionals) can help with mold damage and removal!