Mold has always presented a problem for facility managers; fueling this concern is the increasing fear that facilities are breeding grounds for what has been called “toxic mold”. Despite the hype, though, researchers have found slim evidence that links mold found in facilities to human harm.
That being said, mold in your facility should not be taken lightly. Molds can cause allergic reactions and respiratory illness that can quickly become serious and lead to long-term problems. The existence of mold can even create structural problems in your facility that, if unaddressed, can create even costlier problems.
The Hype
It’s understandable that people are fearful of mold. After all, some types of mold can cause serious illnesses. Despite the stories going around the water cooler, however, indoor air quality isn’t much affected by most common strains of mold found in buildings.
That doesn’t, however, mean that mold is nothing to worry about. Mold can cause respiratory conditions like asthma, for example, which has received scrutiny because of the increasing incidence of the condition in children across the country. There is no consensus as to the cause, but long-term exposure to mold could make a person more sensitive to mold and other allergens.
No matter what the cause, you should have a licensed professional survey your facilities in the case of mold damage.
Want to know more about mold and its effects? Contact the maintenance experts at MaintenX today!
