Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist, humid environments and it’s a common problem in the workplace. Mold can be found anywhere from carpets to walls, and it can lead to serious health problems if an individual is exposed for too long. One of the easiest ways to solve your problem with mold is to seek the Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist, humid environments and it’s a common problem in the workplace. It can be found anywhere from carpets to walls, and it can lead to serious health problems if an individual is exposed for too long. One of the easiest ways to solve your problem is to seek the help of a professional commercial mold damage remediation service in San Diego.
However, in order to promptly contact professionals you need to be aware of all the common signs and symptoms that may indicate exposure and take action! In this article, we will discuss some of the most common signs of mold exposure in the workplace as well as what you should do about them.
What are the first signs of mold?
Mold usually begins to grow where it is moist, often on surfaces that are cool and dark, such as carpets or walls. Here are some common potential signs of mold in your office in California to look out for:
- Changes on indoor plants: If you overwater the plants, mold can start to form on leaves and roots due to excess moisture.
- Water stains on the ceiling or walls: If you have water leaks in your building, it’s important to find and fix them right away before mold has a chance to begin growing.
- Musty or unusual odor: You might notice an unpleasant smell throughout the office space due to excess humidity which can lead to mold growth.
What are some common signs of mold exposure in the workplace?
Even if you haven’t noticed any visible traces of growth, mold exposure can cause certain symptoms that your employees may not yet be aware of.
As bothersome as it is, this is a common issue. It’s just important to get familiar with all potential signs and learn what you should do if there is mold in your workspace.
Here are a few different medical symptoms associated with exposure:
- Allergy symptoms: A scratchy throat, runny nose, and itchy eyes are all common symptoms of mold exposure. This is because these allergens can trigger an inflammatory response in the body.
- Respiratory issues: Persistent coughing and chest tightness may also be signs that you have been exposed to high levels of indoor air pollutants such as mold spores. If the symptoms won’t go away, take them seriously and seek medical attention immediately.
- Changes on skin: Skin rash or irritation is another common sign of exposure. This includes a rash that starts to develop on different parts of the body, such as the face or hands. In some cases, the rash can grow in size and become very large. This could lead to intense itching which will result in an even larger area covered by the skin lesion.
What to do after finding mold?
It is not recommended to work in a building with mold and if you suspect you have been exposed to high levels of mold then you should react in a timely manner. We recommend taking off any protective gear (i.e., masks) before leaving the office and properly washing all clothes you wore while at work immediately after you get home. This way your family members will not be affected by possible contamination carried back with you from the workplace environment.
Importance of a full inspection
Mold can be sneaky and hide in less obvious places, so it’s very important to have every potentially problematic area thoroughly inspected. Whether you’ve visually located growth or only got complaints about symptoms, react fast and treat the entire space as unsafe until the tests give you a definite answer.
While there are DIY test kits available, keep in mind that they can result in false negatives. If your employees are showing symptoms but you can’t visually locate growth or get a positive on this type of test kit, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your workplace is mold-free.
Benefits of calling professionals
The proper way to handle the inspection is to call a reliable commercial mold damage remediation service in San Diego. The pros know how to test for mold at work and have the skills and equipment to do so. They won’t just give you a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, you can count on them to inspect the air and surfaces thoroughly, locate all traces of growth, pinpoint the underlying issue, advise you on how to address it, and more. It’s the only way to completely eradicate all growth and prevent it from reappearing.
Why is mold remediation important?
If you even suspect you have mold growth in your office, you should react as soon as possible and have the issue addressed. Here are the most important reasons why:
- Health concerns: As mentioned, exposure to spores can bring on several health concerns. If the exposure is prolonged, this can even lead to some severe issues, like long-term respiratory problems, especially in sensitive individuals.
- Property damage: This growth can also cause significant damage to the space or the entire building’s surfaces and materials and even compromise its structural integrity. It can weaken walls, ceilings, and floors. The longer you wait to react, the bigger the extent of potential damage and the cost of repairs.
- Legal issues: When it comes to mold in the workplace, employee rights protect workers from working in hazardous conditions. This means that aside from being a major health concern and potential structural problem, mold can be grounds for legal action against the employer if they don’t react quickly and properly.
Remember that, while this issue can appear anywhere, a quick and proper reaction is key. If you notice any signs or symptoms, call a trusted commercial mold damage remediation service in San Diego as soon as possible and leave it to them to thoroughly inspect the area, locate all traces of growth, remove them, and help you prevent the issue from coming back.
Where can I find a reliable commercial mold damage remediation service in San Diego?
Mold can appear in any office regardless of whether it’s located near Balboa Park or in Downtown San Diego. Since it’s difficult to control, it’s best to prevent the development of mold in the work environment.
It occurs slowly and toxins can remain in your property for months. Infestations, if not dealt with promptly, may result in significant property damages, poor indoor air quality, and decreased health.
Risk Free Serv is a locally owned and operated remediation company that specializes in mold, water, fire, and smoke restoration. We have the experience and equipment necessary for any type of damage to be fixed quickly! Call us today!