People from all over the world dream of living in or visiting New York. But even the charming lights of Broadway, the greenery of Central Park, and the hot dog vendors on the streets can lose their charm in the face of a common New York nightmare: mold. New York’s snowy winters and hot, humid summers provide ideal conditions for mold growth.

The ecological role of mold is to break down and recycle basic nutrients back into the soil. It grows through the production of spores, and all it needs to thrive is water in any shape or form. Mold is a master of survival, as its spores are small, light and capable of surviving for a long time in any conditions.

Despite its important ecological role, molds pose several threats to humans. As you disassemble any material you find, mold can pose a threat to the structural integrity of a building. Also, some molds are toxic. Many human illnesses and allergies are caused by mold in older buildings, such as those found in New York. Some molds, like black mold, can be fatal.

If the mold invasion is minimal, a New York home or business owner can usually fix it. A mold remediation specialist will need to be called in to help with more extensive mold problems. Controlling mold involves controlling the amount of moisture in the area. This can include repairing leaks, removing standing water, installing a proper gutter system, repairing cracked masonry and split roof tiles, and repairing seals around doors and windows. Mold’s favorite food is wet paper, which is why newer homes with more insulation are more susceptible to mold problems.

A professional mold restoration company can expertly assess the damage mold may have caused and which areas are vulnerable to further damage. They also have teams to test for mold levels to see if it is safe for people to be in the building. Professionals also know how to avoid other indoor environmental hazards like asbestos and lead so the remediation process doesn’t cause unnecessary illness.

Mold removal requires an arsenal of tools to remove water and disinfect moldy areas:

– A wet vacuum is designed to remove water from floors, carpets, and other hard surfaces.

– A wet wipe, a towel with water and perhaps detergent, is used to remove mold from non-porous materials.

– HEPA vacuums are used as one of the final cleanup tools after materials are completely dry. The HEPA vacuum will pick up any contaminated dust that has fallen outside the remediated area.

These tools allow for proper disinfection, which is crucial as mold can be allergenic or toxic even when dead. Moldy materials require careful disposal. The contents of the vacuum cleaner and any mold-damaged items should be double-bagged, sealed, and discarded. Large items that will not fit in the plastic bags should be covered with polythene sheeting, sealed with tape, and then disposed of with other construction debris. After the cleanup is complete, a dehumidification system may need to be installed in the building to help prevent future mold growth.

In areas as humid as Staten Island and Long Island, moisture control is the key to mold prevention. Taking the necessary steps to properly prevent mold damage will save time and money in the long run. However, if it’s already too late, calling a mold remediation specialist to make sure the mold is removed properly is the safest step.

~Flora Richards-Gustafson, 2009