Mold infestations around the Greater Toronto Area in large cities like Misssissauga, Vaughan, and Brampton are quite common. With hundreds of species of mold detected in Southern Ontario and about 70% of residential and commercial properties in need of mold removal in Toronto, it is safe to say that mold is a persistent threat. Unfortunately, its effect on the well-being of the people around it is often overlooked or not well understood. Despite experiencing symptoms of mold exposure or noticing the signs of an infestation, many property owners don’t know when to schedule inspections, testing, and mold removal in Mississauga, Vaughan, or Toronto.
Types of Toxic Mold
While not all black molds are toxic, not all other species of other molds are benign. Much of the inaction towards mold removal in Toronto can be attributed to the lack of understanding about the toxicity of mold and its effects. Black mold is deemed by the media as the most serious type of infestation, and while that can be true in the case of Stachybotrys, there are other common household molds that can have just as troubling effects, including, but not limited to, Penicillium, Fusarium, Aspergillus. The best way to assess the risk and toxicity of infestation is with testing and inspections from a certified professional specializing in mold removal in Mississauga and Toronto.
Health Effects of Mold
In small infestations, the health effects of mold on humans can be quite minor, but as mold grows, which it does exponentially, the impact on our bodies, immune systems, and overall health becomes increasingly severe. While mold can be a risk to any person, studies show that about 28% of the population has a genetic predisposition to mold-related illness, which isn’t detected until mold exposure occurs.
Signs of mold-induced illness will often start small with allergy-like symptoms including rashes, coughing, eye irritation, coughing and sneezing. As exposure continues, illness escalates into asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing and trouble breathing. In more severe cases, mold exposure has been known to cause insomnia, memory loss, headaches, cramps, hair loss, light sensitivity, fatigue. While it is rare, extended exposure to mold has even proven to be fatal.
To be safe and protect you and your loved ones from the threat of mold, it’s important to have the information to recognize potential outbreaks around your property so you promptly schedule mold testing and inspections, starting the processes for mold removal in the Greater Toronto Area.
How to Recognize Mold Before Getting Sick
A key reason many residential and commercial property owners do not schedule mold removal in Toronto and Mississauga promptly is because they do not know what to look for. Mold is most easily identifiable visibly by its velvet texture, spotted patterns, and earth-toned colour. Often mold appears first in low-traffic areas like basements, boiler rooms, crawl spaces, and attics, but as infestations progress, mold can be detected by its signature musty odour that fills a property.
How Eliminate the Threat of Mold for a Healthier Future
Since mold exists naturally, it cannot be completely eliminated. The best response to mold is recognizing potential infestations and responding promptly with mold removal services. Leaders in the restoration industry and healthy organizations continue to share new information through media outlets with the help of digital marketing agencies and social media marketing to help Torontonians and Canadians respond to mold efficiently. When in doubt, contact a trusted mold removal and restoration company near you for more information and start living healthier.
