Mold in a commercial property cannot be allowed to spread. Some molds can produce toxins that are harmful to both workers and customers. Almost all examples of mold constitutes a health risk, so it is important that commercial property owners seek mold remediation as soon as the first signs of mold are noticed.
What are the health hazards of mold?
Individuals with asthma, respiratory conditions, or weakened immune systems tend to display the largest sensitivity to mold, though depending on the type and scale of the mold infestation, anyone can become sick. The most common symptoms relating to mold exposure include:
- Nasal congestion
- Skin irritation
- Difficulty breathing
- Itchy/watery eyes
Things can become much more serious when black mold, otherwise known as toxic mold, begins to grow. This type of mold can release toxins. These can cause inflammation to the lungs, negatively impact the upper-respiratory tract, cause chest or sinus infections and chronic fatigue. Therefore, it is best to practice mold prevention strategies within commercial properties.
Mold Prevention Strategies
Listed below are some strategies that all commercial property owners should employ to prevent mold outbreaks. Keep vigilant and ensure you comply with the current state legislation. This will help ensure that mold remediation isn’t a costly expense in your future.
- Fix leaky plumbing in a timely manner, note wet spots, and seek repairs. Ensure that your plumbing is regularly maintained.
- Reduce condensation as much as possible. You can do this by increasing air circulation and properly insulating the building.
- Reduce moisture levels in the air. You can do this by using dehumidifiers, which help to reduce moisture in certain areas.
- Ensure humidity is kept under 60%. Preferably, you should aim to keep this level much lower at between 30-50%.
- Conduct routine building inspections.
- Ensure your building has proper drainage solutions.
- Get your staff on board. Encourage
them to report potential mold issues when they see them, and
particularly encourage the cleaning staff, as they are most likely
to notice the early signs of mold.
If you Notice Mold
If you
notice mold or have a case of mold reported to you, you should first
assess the situation. Minor mold spots can simply be cleaned away
with household bleach or mold cleaner bought at hardware shops. If
this is the case, then once the mold is cleaned up, be sure to locate
the cause and fix it to prevent the mold returning.
However, if the mold is extensive or seems to have penetrated the walls or floor deeply, then your only option is to call in a specialist from mold remediation services. While this will cost your company money, it is important to remember that as a commercial property owner, it is your duty to make sure those living and working under your roof are safe and protected from adverse conditions which would negatively impact their health and well-being. If you are lax in this, you may leave yourself liable to lawsuits or even governmental fines.