For businesses, mold doesn’t just have the ability to damage your property. It can also cause adverse health issues in your employees and customers, which can create liability issues for your business. There are many causes of mold, although mold is typically the result of excessive moisture that is left untouched. Mold thrives in humid, warm, and moisture-rich areas; in fact, wet and porous building materials, humidity above 60%, and constant moderate to warm temperatures encourage mold growth indoors.
When any of these above conditions exist, mold can grow. Some species of mold can grow at an alarming rate, sometimes within a timeframe of 24 to 48 hours. If left unattended, mold can cause various symptoms of illness in your employees or customers, including wheezing, skin irritation, eye irritation, and congestion. In some serious instances, mold can also cause shortness of breath, fever, and infection.
How can you prevent mold from growing in your building? The short answer is by controlling water and moisture accumulation in your indoor environment. Here are a few other quick tips to help you prevent mold growth in your building:
- Never install carpets in high-moisture areas such as the bathroom and the basement.
- If you find a leak, make sure to have it taken care of immediately and remove wet materials so mold can’t grow on them.
- Have your gutters and pipes cleaned professionally on a regular basis.
- Keep your building properly ventilated at all times. This will help reduce your risk of getting mold.
Controlling mold growth will not only protect your building but will also promote a safer place of business for both your employees and your customers.