September 16, 2010

Naturally, it can be unpleasant to find that your home or office has been damaged by a flood. Because disasters such as flood often raise questions of finances involved in repairing the damage, many people opt to try and perform flood restoration themselves. However, this is not always advisable because the toxic mould which will often grow in a home after floods can be highly dangerous, even if the water which caused the flood was clean. Professional companies dealing in flood restoration have the knowledge and equipment to deal with this risk and to therefore protect human health.

Naturally some people will be worse affected than others by toxic spores, with the elderly or those with existing conditions the worst affected. All the same, even for the healthy there is a risk posed by toxic spores, and symptoms can include respiratory problems and potentially even poison.

When people attempt to carry out flood restoration themselves, they often make the mistake of assuming all the mould has gone because they can no longer see it. Unfortunately, the fact that water soaks into walls and gets behind plaster boards means that there is almost certainly mould in places where it cannot be seen. If the flood water was in any way unsanitary, conditions become even better for mould growth. Dealing with mould that is hidden away is part of the day to day business of flood restoration companies.

Because toxic mould releases harmful spores as it dries, there is a risk involved in sudden and premature drying of areas affected by mould. Similarly, disturbance of the mould by vibration or application of chemicals can release spores. Using knowledge, training, experience and professional equipment, flood restoration companies carry out the safe drying and removal of toxic mould. They can perform tests to ensure cleanliness and remove any lasting odours. People who try to carry out flood restoration themselves may think that they have done a good job, but there is more to toxic mould than meets the eye.