Whether you are a facility manager, employer, or even a landlord, you most likely understand the importance of combating mold growth. However, the seriousness of preventing mold in your building can often be overlooked. Not only can mold growth cause health problems for people that you oversee, but it can have financial repercussions with hefty consequences. State laws require that areas of employment meet certain safety standards, and employees can be quick to throw the book at employers if their health is at risk. To better prevent yourself from a potential lawsuit, it’s important to know the ins and outs of mold growth.
What Causes Mold Growth?
Mold spores thrive in environments where dense moisture and low light are present. Once spores get a hold of water and oxygen in a darker area, they are bound to spread at a fast rate. Water buildup can occur from broken pipes, leaky roofs, basement/lower level flooding, and a variety of other avenues. Regardless of how stagnant water finds its way into your building, once it’s there, toxic mold has the potential to thrive and be extremely difficult to remove.
What are the Signs of Mold Growth?
Although it can come in different colors and growth patterns, mold is universally recognized by its fuzzy, sometimes slimy texture. As a facility manager or business owner, it is important that you know mold growth can give off signs in a couple of ways.
Visual Evidence of Mold
The easiest way to know that you have mold is to physically see it growing within your building. Once mold has been seen, don’t hesitate to call and have professional mold removal services inside your structure.
Health Complications From Mold
What many business owners and facility managers often overlook are the health issues that arise from mold in an office space. Considering that employees spend anywhere from 8-10 hours a day for 5 days a week inside of the building, they can quickly fall victim to the symptoms of mold growth. Keep an eye on employees, and if you notice a trend of symptoms among many, there could be a possibility of a mold outbreak in your building. Symptoms from mold often come in the form(s) of:
- Asthma
- Nausea
- Extended Fatigue
- Respiratory complications
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Skin irritation
- Consistent triggering of allergies
How Employers Can Prevent Mold Outbreaks
Once a mold outbreak starts, it can cost your business tons of time and money to stop it. Taking proper preventative measures can save you from potentially disastrous results. Here are some best practices to keep your Iowa or Minnesota business safe from mold.
- Check the pipes in your building or hire a crew to perform frequent building maintenance.
- Make sure your building has proper ventilation throughout the entire property.
- Ensure carpets are kept clean and consider replacing old carpets that might become a host for spores.
- Place a dehumidifier in your building throughout the hot, moist summer months.
Contact Iowa & Minnesota Mold Removal Experts
In the event that you are facing a mold outbreak in your building, do not try to remediate it yourself. DIY methods are often ineffective and can set up your building more mold problems down the line. All of the ServiceMaster by Rice locations use eco-friendly chemicals for mold removal that are safe to be used around both humans and animals. If your commercial or industrial building needs mold removal, get in contact with the ServiceMaster By Rice location closest to you!
