The Environmental Protection Agency in the United States recently advised homeowners affected by flooding in the south that they may now be sharing their homes with one particular nasty and toxic organism – mold.
Ontario faces its fair share of flooded homes due to tornadoes, sewer backups, flash flooding and melting snow. Basement flooding is also a common problem some residents face, inclement weather or not.
In Canada as a whole, insurance claims relating to basement flooding total $140 million annually from an average of between 30,000 and 40,000 incidents per year. Floods are also currently wreaking serious havoc on reservations in Manitoba, creating a state of emergency.
These issues create prime living conditions for mold, which will grow on anything organic that has a suitable moisture content, such as drywall, carpets, insulation and wood, all which are easily accessible in a flooded home.
Most organic or porous materials like carpet and ceiling tiles will need to be thrown out if they become contaminated, but the worst part of flooding will be how much else must be thrown away in the end. It’s also difficult to determine what’s completely ruined and not worth saving, or what might be salvageable.
A mold inspection can help if your basement or home is prone to or has experienced a significant flood any time in the past. Because basements stay moist, they can remain a haven for mold for years to come. The EPA also stated that exposure to mold spores brought on by a flood can result in memory loss, nervous system issues, allergy-like symptoms and respiratory issues. If those living in a recently-flooded home experience any of these symptoms, there may be a very dangerous mold infestation in the home.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation recommends taking action as soon as possible after any flooding event to mitigate the possible damage – including toxic mold.
Know what you’re getting into. For Mold Inspsections in Toronto and Ontario, Contact Moldinspections.ca @ 416.575.6111 or toll free @ 1.866.310.4219. We can help.
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