How to Clean and Prevent Mold Growth from Electronic Equipment?

Mold may thrive in any environment, even electronic devices. Mold is a possibility as long as there is moisture. However, even if there is no moisture, a spore can remain dormant until moisture is present.

Mold reproduces by means of spores. Mold is transported through the air, allowing it to reach both the exterior and interior of a structure. Mold has the ability to contaminate everything, including electrical equipment, once it penetrates the interior of a building or residence.

When this occurs, the home or business owners may be unaware. This is due to the small spore particles blending in with the existing dust particles. The mold, on the other hand, quickly begins to colonize. Mold grows in colonies and becomes more noticeable over time, disrupting daily activities and products.

If you’re not sure if you have mold or not, it’s a good idea to get a mold inspection in Long Island to figure out what you’re up against.

The Problem

Most electronic equipment uses fans to keep its motors and processors cool. These fans’ intake ducting collects dust particles. Mold spores mix together with dust particles, so mold spores can also be entering the intake ducts.

Typically, mold is cleansed and removed using bleach or disinfectant spray. Each of these products destroys mold and prevents further mold growth in the area. Bleach and disinfectant cleaners, on the other hand, might cause more harm to electronic equipment.

Bleaches and disinfectant sprays should not be used on electronic equipment. Hence other methods must be found.

Electronic equipment is damaged by the chemicals in cleaning products and by dampness. If there is no risk of harm, electronic equipment should not be exposed to excessive wetness. To eliminate mold that has grown on electrical equipment, it must first be dried.

Cleaning the Electronic Equipment’s Exterior

For your safety, the first step in mold removal in Long Island from electrical equipment is to make sure you’re using gloves and a mask. After you’ve mastered that, you can move on to cleaning the outside or outer shell.

The bleach and disinfectant products described above can be used to clean these locations. Special caution is required when putting these solutions on the outside of electronic equipment.

Whether using bleach or disinfectant, only use a tiny amount of the substance. To avoid any damage, wipe clean the exterior and outer shell entirely, swiftly, and thoroughly after using these solutions.

It is critical to ensure that no moisture reaches the interior of the device. When the area has been cleaned, make sure it is completely wiped down with a soft cloth that will not scratch or scrape the equipment.

If you are looking for professional help, then New York Mold Specialist is the best choice for you. We are the experts in this domain and know how to go forward with the projects accordingly. If you have any mold issues, just let us know, and we will be there!

Mold: Is It Harmful to Pets?

Mold is seen as a possible health hazard. While not every form of mold is harmful to everyone, you and your family are putting your health at risk if you have mold in your home.

However, many homeowners are unaware that mold exposure can cause health problems in people and animals. Mold may make your dog or cat sick or even kill them if exposed to the worst varieties of mold.

How Can You Keep Your Pets Safe from Mold?

The first step in keeping your dogs safe from mold is to prevent mold from forming in the first place, or better yet, call the mold testing specialists in Brooklyn. An infinite number of mold spores float around in the air at any given time. You don’t want these mold spores to stick to your home’s surfaces and create colonies.

Here are some suggestions for preventing mold growth:

Examine the property’s high-risk areas.

Take a careful look at some of your home’s high-risk zones. The most important thing you can do to reduce the chance of mold formation is to do this. Walls, wooden furniture, carpets, crawl spaces, roofs, ceilings, garages, and any locations with plumbing are examples of these areas.

Even if you can’t detect mold in these high-risk areas, you should check for leaks or water damage. If there is, you should always suspect hidden mold and seek professional help from a mold remediation specialist.

Purchase HEPA filters as well as a hygrometer.

HEPA filters are suggested because they are the most effective at eliminating tiny particles from the air. Purchasing a tested filter from a reputable vendor ensures that mold spores will be removed from your indoor air.

If you don’t already have one, invest in one. Choose digital gadgets that display your home’s humidity levels. Mold development is always a problem when there is a lot of dampness in the air.

If you notice that your home has a high degree of humidity, it’s critical to eliminate the extra moisture. You make it simpler for mold spores to stick to surfaces and spread if you don’t.

Make it a habit to avoid mold after using common items.

Finally, you can make little adjustments to your daily routine. After cooking or showering, make sure to turn on the exhaust fans—the increased air circulation aids in the removal of small water droplets from home surfaces. You may also use ceiling fans and open your windows (if the weather is nice).

Is Mold Harmful to Pets in a Nutshell?

When discussing the dangers of mold, most homeowners concentrate on individuals. Mold exposure, both acute and chronic, can produce several symptoms in dogs. Mold should not be allowed to harm your cats or dogs.

Pets usually inhale mold spores. There are situations when a rapid exposure causes no symptoms. That doesn’t rule out the possibility of long-term consequences. Taking all required efforts to eradicate mold risks from your house and keep your pets safe is always a smart idea.

You can identify, remove, and prevent mold from harming you and your pets with the expertise of NY Mold Specialist. If you’re seeking competent mold removal experts in Long Island to keep your property mold-free, give them a call now.

All You Should Know About Black Mold

Black molds are also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, which is undoubtedly a scary name to hear. Commonly known as black molds, it is one of the most notorious and hazardous molds developed in the walls, ceiling, and floors of a home. You can quickly identify black molds as they are dark green in color with either gooey or powdery texture. A mold expert needs to distinguish the difference between molds as other molds species resemble black mold’s appearance. Thus, the direct conclusive approach is to identify the Stachybotrys chartarum under a specialist’s magnifying lens.

How Does the Black Mold Affect Your Health?

Molds can be quite detrimental to your health. Overall, the consequences of living in an environment contaminated with black molds are not permanent. The majority of the symptoms will subside when the black mold is removed. Furthermore, there have been cases where black molds have proved to be fatal. Experts who work at mold removal company Long Island suggest that some people have suffered lasting health ailments, mainly due to molds’ exposure. Progressively a person’s health is impacted due to long-term exposure to black mold. That acts as one of the primary reasons why it is essential to remediate black mold as it adversely affects the health of the individual.

Some of the serious issues caused by black mold:

  • Breathing problems like shortness of breath
  • Lethargy
  • Skin allegation
  • membrane irritation
  • Organ damage
  • Queasiness
  • Ruptured blood vessels and internal blooding

Additionally, the black model can affect the health of your pets. Dogs and cats may undergo skin irritation, respiratory tract illness, and open sores when exposed to mold for a longer duration. Hence, as soon as you discover the presence of bad molds, immediately without even wasting a minute, you should try and get rid of them by calling out for professional help.

Tips for Treating Black Mold Exposure

Yet, medical science has to develop a specific course of treatment for toxic mold exposure. One of the effective ways to stop mold exposure symptoms is by removing the mold with professional mold remediation techniques that are advanced and effective. These techniques go to the roots so that the problem does not arise ever again. Also, if there is someone who has suffered health issues due to molds, then he or she should be treated as soon as possible.

Where Can You Look for Mold Growth in Your House?

Ideally, mold tends to grow in warm and wet areas. The mold can also develop on the majority of the indoor surfaces. It needs a lot of dampness to thrive. You can easily find molds in the house where there is a leaky water pipeline in the spaces between walls, wet ceilings, or floorboards. Typically, the black mold grows in places where water is present for between a week to 12 days. Toxic black mold dominates the area by killing the other molds.

How Can We Inspect for Black Molds?

Experts who conduct mold testing Brooklyn NYC, suggest that if you suspect molds in your home or office, then it would be great to have your home evaluated by a professional mold remediation company. Homeowners who aren’t aware of a toxic mold’s dangers might not realize that they have a severe threat in their house. Often people ignore the signs of mold-related issues as the symptoms of mold are more or less similar to a cold or allergy attack. Sometimes, only experts can find out the sources of mold in your environment as it may not be apparent or visible through the naked eye.

It is essential to analyze the water issues when you get a mold assessment done. A professional black mold remediator will also know the diagnostic tools to analyze where the black mold is growing. Also, experts can measure the levels of moisture in the environment. These are some clues to find the concealed water line breaks or areas where water is getting in the place from the outside water source. Some of the signs of a developing mold pattern are strong, musty odors, ceilings bowed drywall, and water-stained walls.

How to Get Rid of Toxic Black Mold?

The remediation problem should begin as soon as possible once the mold problem is diagnosed. It might be necessary to remove and replace the affected structures. It would be best if you ripped out drywall, ceiling tiles, and floorboards. Employees who remove these damaged parts should always wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, and respirators. If you want to remove excess water, you can still use an industrial dehumidifier.

You can also call mold remediation pros at New York Mold Specialist if you fear that molds have grown in your house. Above all, you will get a free consultation so that you can quickly get rid of black molds. It is the professionals who can help you get rid of molds for a lifetime.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungi that can be found on various surfaces and will continuously grow if not dealt with properly. Mold flourishes in warm, damp and humid conditions. Once mold has grown it spreads and reproduces in the form of spores. There are numerous types of mold with different appearances and colors and some may be more harmful than others.

The most common type of mold that most are familiar with is called Aspergillus which is usually ranges from a yellowish color to black or gray or sometimes blue-green. This type of mold is often found on your food or on leather surfaces. Cladosporium ​is a type of mold that is less familiar to most, and usually is a green or black color. This sort of mold can be found in air ducts, painted materials, and on plumbing fixtures.

The most harmful group of molds is called Stachybotrys Chartarum ​which is most often a black color and if one comes across this category of mold in their household action must be taken immediately. Mold can enter your household in multiple ways, through air conditioning systems, windows, vents, and doorways.

Mold will constantly thrive in places with a lot of moisture therefore, the most common places where mold has been found are by leaky roofs, pipes and windows. Once mold has entered it will grow progressively day by day on a variety of surfaces and materials like, wood, cardboards, paper products, wallpaper, carpet fabrics, drywall, insulation, upholstery, tiles, and many more.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging is also referred to as Infrared which is an innovated, non-invasive mechanization that gives inspectors the ability to uncover information about the mold in a client’s home or building that would not be visible to them when using standard methods of inspection. Thermal Imaging can recognize and record moisture invasion, unpredicted hotspots, and loss of energy.

  • In Reference to Energy loss, an IR camera can identify:
  • Air penetration in floors, ceilings, walls, doors, and windows. And heat loss.
  • Heating systems malfunctioning or has been damaged.
  • Leaks in air-condition compressor.
  • Seals that have been broken in double-paned windows.
  • Leads to energy loss due to missing frame members.

In reference to detect moisture intrusion, an IR camera can locate:

  • Plumbing leaks.
  • Roof leaks that are not visible and may lead to damage.
  • Wet insulation that’s been misplaced or destroyed.

Moisture and water penetrations that could lead to structural harm and mold. based on the color gradients that thermal images provide, an inspector can visually see:

  • The loss of energy through shelter tubes left by boring wood-destroying insects and potential infestation of pests.
  • IR camera detects the presence of invaders such as mice, rats and other pests due to their heat signature.

Signs of Mold Infestation

Mold is not an issue that should be taken lightly therefore, if one has the slightest suspicion that they might have mold they should call for an inspection. Mold is sometimes visible, in that case you could see the mold and proceed accordingly. Unfortunately, other times mold is not visible to the naked eye but, there are still other ways to tell if you’ve been infested with mold. If one finds themselves smelling an unpleasant musty odor in their homes this likely means that you have been infested with mold, which means you are inhaling toxic compounds that have been produced by the mold and possibly mold spores as well. If the slightest sight of mold is found it must be dealt with immediately, if you fail to do so small patches will grow and become a bigger issue since your home already has all the factors that mold thrives in.

During the inspection process, our technicians will do a walk-through and visually assess the area for signs of observable mold growth. Visual assessment is vital and helpful in the confirmation of mold growth in an area. Additional testing, such as air and/or swab testing, is beneficial in order to fully verify the extent of mold infestation.

Odors:

Generally, the first sign of possible mold growth is a musty, wet smell which would usually not be expected inside of a home or property. Mold does not always present itself visually, and therefore identifying a moldy scent may sometimes prevent mold growth to spread into other areas.

Surface Damages:

Many molds, when beginning to grow rapidly, will affect the surface which it is growing on. The following are signs of mold growth surface damages which are observed and analyzed by our technicians during a mold inspection:

Distorted wood

Due to the water infiltration, the wood will develop a soggy look. This will cause the wood to bend and curl up in places which it normally would not. Mold can develop when water intrudes on a wooden surface.

Surface markings

Walls and other surfaces, when infested by mold growth, will have markings and discolorations, such as; brown, green, or black. Stains are a definite sign of mold growth in that specific location.

Water leaks

Of course, visible signs of water leaks are to be noted. Whether the mold has already started to grow or not, that surface needs to be checked for signs such as yellow water stains which would indicate moisture behind that surface.

Paint flaking

When paint on walls begins to have a flaking look, this usually means there is moisture beneath the surface which ultimately causes mold growth as well.

 

 

Bathroom Tile Black Spotting:

Because of constant moisture which circulates in a bathroom, it easily becomes a proliferation ground for mold growth. Tiles in the bathroom, due to their texture and spacing, allow moisture to thrive between the small cracks and underneath the surfaces. The combination of the moisture and dirt that exist between the tiles creates an environment where mold can increase rapidly.

Adhesive Malfunctions:

When adhesive materials on walls, such as wall paper or dry-wall tape, will malfunction, this is a definite sign of water intrusion. Dry wall adhesives are made to stick on dry walls. If there is moisture on the surface, the adhesive will not work correctly and will de-attach from its surface.

Mold:

Finally, a sure sign of mold growth caused by water damage is the mold itself. When mold is obvious and observable, technicians will evaluate the mold through non-invasive tests, to find the best way to remediate the problem.

Gutter Malfunctions:

Many times, gutters are the cause of mold problems in homes. Proper deliverance of water from rainfall to a safe distribution location is vital in keeping the moisture out of the home. When gutters are faulted, water collects at the base of the structure and can enter the home, causing immense damages to the foundations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An inspection is the first step to a clean and safe environment. Call us today to book an appointment!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing I should do once I find mold in my home?

At New York Mold Specialist the first thing we urge you to do is contact us to bring in a professional for an inspection and examine the problem. Frequently one only sees a small fraction of the problem but, there may be a larger issue present. There’s a possibility that mold has grown in many other places that you did not notice like, inside walls, crawl spaces, ceiling tiles, attics, under carpets, and many other sites in your home.

Is it considered dangerous if I do not see any mold in site but smell it?

Yes, very often we do not see mold, but it is there and possess a musty smell which is unpleasant and quite dangerous. When you inhale air that has been contaminated with mold you are also inhaling mycotoxins and mold spores which are hazardous to your health and can cause multiple complications to your wellbeing.

What are some of the symptoms and health complications that follow when you are exposed to mold?

Mold has a large impact on your health and could cause a variety of ailments such as, congestion, runny nose, cough, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, headaches, and asthma like symptoms. If one is exposed to mold for a longer period it can lead to a bigger threat on your health like, chronic fatigue, depression, joint pain, pneumonia, and many skin rashes and many more complications to your health if mold is left untreated.

If my home is infested with mold, is it safe to stay there?

At New York Mold Specialist we recommend you not to remain in your household if it has been infested with mold, we suggest you contact us for professional help. Should I use a mold test kit to test the mold in my home? Home test kits are not something we recommend due to them being undependable and unpredictable. It is always best to seek professional help to be safe and have reliable results, unlike most home test kits.

Is it possible and safe for me to remove mold on my own?

It is always ideal to seek professional help but in some instances your homeowner’s insurances may cover the costs, but you will need verify with your insurance carrier. According to the Environmental Protection Agency one should seek professional aid if: ● The area that is infested with mold is over 10 square feet. ● Presume that mold is in your HVAC system. ● Mold or water damage is a result of contamination of water, that may be derived from a sewage.

How would I remove mold?

Many believe that mold is not that difficult to remove however, it is a strenuous job. You need to start off by isolating the mold and set up negative pressure to prevent mold spores from spreading into other sections of your home. You must wear protection for your safety and lastly substitute permeable objects that have mold. What are ways to prevent mold​? The most effective way to prevent mold is controlling the moisture in your home. Mold thrives in damp areas so constantly be on the lookout for leaks under your sink, and leaks on your roof. If you suspect your basement feels humid place a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture. When showering make sure to leave a fan on or open a crack of a window or door to eliminate the moisture that may lead to mold.

When would be a good time to get a mold inspection?

  • After you have experienced any type of flooding or water issue.
  • If you smell a musty unpleasant odor.
  • If you are experiencing a leak that has been present for over 24 hours.
  • If you notice stains on your furniture or building materials.
  • You believe you may have mold even if it is not visible to you.
  • If the residents of your home are suffering from a medical condition and the reason is unknown.

Signs of Water Issues

If one begins to notice that their walls, floors or ceilings start to stain or become discolored, this indicates that there is a water problem present and mold may be thriving behind or within the textiles. Another indicator could be a wall surface looks as though it is bubbling, peeling, or cracking and creates damage to your paint or wallpaper and if the wall surface happen to feel damp. If you experience any of these complications, it is probable that you are faced with a moisture problem that needs to be handled or else mold will inevitably sprout.

Health Concerns

A mold infestation is an underlying cause of many health complications. Constant exposure to mold will have a definite damage on your health, some mild symptoms are throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, coughing, eye discomfort, wheezing, sinus and skin irritation. The longer one is exposed to mold the more harm the mold will do to their health. Breathing in air where mold is present can lead to serious damage on the respiratory system. At first one may have shortness of breath and may be finding it difficult to breathe. If one abides to live in those conditions and is suffering from these symptoms it may contribute to lung illnesses and diseases.

Mold may also cause these ailments:

  • Baldness or hair loss
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Flu or Cold symptoms
  • Sore or itchy throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Red or Bloodshot eyes
  • Symptoms of Hay fever
  • Hives
  • Sinus congestion
  • Rashes
  • Asthma symptoms in people with Asthma
  • Scaly or Dry skin
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Digestive Problems
  • Joint Pains
  • Depression

 

When mold infests a property or home, many times the individuals who live there will begin to develop certain symptoms which are directly related to their exposure to the mold. When a home undergoes a water intrusion or is thought to have mold, these health symptoms are to be closely observed in all occupants of the home or property;

Digestive issues:

Mold exposure can cause serious digestive problems, which can be extremely detrimental to one’s health. People may react to mold exposure by developing diarrhea or vomiting, which in many cases can lead to dehydration and improper absorption of nutrients. This specifically is caused by fusarium, which is a mold generally found in places such as dehumidifiers, water damaged beds, and carpeting, and when inhaled, can cause serious digestive complications.

Internal harm:

Molds can cause serious allergic reactions, which can result in nose bleeds. In addition, Stachybotrys can produce internal bleeding of the lungs, as well as other severe respiratory infections, including breathing problems or shortness of breath. Routine inspections are important in maintaining a healthy environment in your home or property.

Allergy intensification:

Those who typically suffer from allergies can experience an increase of allergy symptoms. Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat are common indicators of mold-related allergy intensification. Many illnesses related to sinus infections were reported to have been caused by mold growth in the home.

Skin reactions:

Often, mold will dwell on surfaces which one’s body may come in contact with habitually, such as; sheets, carpets, sofas, etc… Therefore, people who are in an environment which contains mold may develop painful skin inflammations both by way of contact or inhalation of the mold.

Migraines:

Due to the many irritations which mold causes to the body, a result can be constant migraine headaches. Due to the eyes being strained and breathing issues, headaches are often associated with typical mold related issues.

Fatigue:

Feeling constant fatigue may come about because of extraneous work schedules or other stressors. Mold has been found to be the alternative common factor in chronic fatigue. If you or someone in the property is experiencing constant fatigue, it is very possible that it is due to a mold growth.

 

Water Intrusion Sources

Mold needs water in order to grow and spread. For this reason, technicians will locate all sources of water intrusion in a home or property. There are many possible sources of water intrusion, including but not limited to;


 

Small spaces subject to moisture level increase:

Because there is generally less ventilation in small spaces in a home, such as a low-ceiling basement or a crawl space, the difference in temperature can cause water spores which are circulating to remain stuck, allowing them to pile up and eventually cause over-humidification.

Raised Humidity Levels:

Some areas have higher humidity levels than others. Generally, those located near the shore or in moist environments experience higher levels of humidity. Although this is coming from outside, the humidity can affect the moisture level inside and ultimately cause mold growth.

Ventilation failure:

Homes and properties need to constantly be ventilated in order to keep a safe balance between the indoor air and the outdoor air pressure. An equal balance of air pressure should be maintained, in order to keep moisture from being forced into the home, which can cause mold growth.

Corrosion:

When corrosion and/or concentration are found on pipes, windows, and other structures, this can be a sign of a water leak or increased humidity. Pipes under sinks and high surfaces should be consistently checked for changes in condition.

 

 

 

Floods:

When weather breaks through normal conditions, such as floods or tornados, homes may not be equipped with the proper protection to withstand the intrusion of water into the home. In addition to weather issues, home flooding, such as drain or pipe flooding, can cause the home to experience an increased risk of mold growth. Unfortunately, by the time all the water is drained out and dried, mold has already begun to grow and spread at a fast pace. When flooding occurs, it is vital to remediate the property immediately in order to prevent any colossal damage to the property.

Indoor moist items:

Items which are kept indoors need to be dry at all times. This includes; carpets, rugs, toys, clothing lines, cabinets, etc… When an object, which is kept indoors, becomes wet, proper ventilation and dehydration is important so as not to keep the moisture level high indoors. Mold can result from improper care of household items.

Roof experiencing a leakage:

 

Although roofs are generally built to withstand all types of weather, it is important to look for signs of a leaky roof. Many times, mold found in the roof are not spotted until much of the mold has had the chance to spread. Consequently, it is helpful to routinely check for signs of water leaks in these locations.

 

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