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What Are the Hidden Dangers of Mold, and How Does It Impact Commercial Buildings

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What Are the Hidden Dangers of Mold, and How Does It Impact Commercial Buildings

in commercial buildings is more dangerous than you think. It affects health, ruins property, and can lead to lawsuits. Discover how to protect your space.

You walk into your office on a Monday morning and catch a musty odor. A discolored ceiling patch, a coughing employee, it doesn’t seem urgent, but it could be mold in commercial buildings. And in commercial buildings, mold is more than a nuisance. It’s a hidden threat that can ruin health, property, and your reputation.

Mold can sneak up and spread without notice. However, its influence on business premises might be expensive, destructive, and protracted.

So, what makes mold so hazardous? How does it impact commercial buildings, and what can you do to safeguard your building and its occupants? Let us find out.

Hidden Dangers of Mold

What Is Mold and Why Does It Grow

Mold is a type of fungus that flourishes in damp conditions. It spreads itself through its microscopic spores, which travel through the air and land on moist surfaces.

Mold in commercial buildings can usually be found in:

  • HVAC systems.
  • Behind wall or ceiling tiles.
  • Around leaky pipes or roofs.
  • Behind the flooring or carpeting.
  • Dark storage places.

It only requires dampness, heat, and time. Sadly, lots of commercial structures, particularly older ones, provide an ideal environment that encourages the growth of mold.

The Hidden Dangers of Mold in Commercial Buildings

Although at first sight, a small amount of mold does not pose a big problem, its dangers lie much beyond an offensive odor or aesthetic damage. Here’s how it affects a commercial building and its inhabitants.

Health Hazards to the Occupants

The most serious threat mold poses in commercial buildings is to human health. Mold can potentially cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and respiratory problems. According to the CDC, the effects of mold exposure may include such symptoms as:

  • Nasal stuffiness.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Wheezing.
  • Skin rashes.

Mold exposure can cause more severe problems for people with already weakened immune systems or those who have pre-existing lung issues.

Destruction of Property and Infrastructure

Mold doesn’t just sit on surfaces; it eats into them. Over time, it can damage:

  • Drywall
  • Wood
  • Insulation
  • Ceiling tiles

In severe cases, such commercial mold damage repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to take out the affected parts and redo them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the restoration costs of buildings with uncontrolled mold growth are thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars.

Disturbance in Business Operation

Mold issues may also disrupt daily operations. For remediation, you may need to temporarily shut down certain areas of the building or move people in the short term.

Worse still, mold complaints will dampen staff morale, increase sick days, and tarnish the company’s reputation. No one would want to work in a moldy building.

 Legal and Insurance Matters

The business may find itself in court in case tenants, employees, or customers develop health issues due to mold exposure. In recent years, there has been an increase in mold-related lawsuits.

To make matters worse, insurance might not cover all commercial mold damage, especially if the issue stems from neglect or lack of maintenance.

Warning Signs of Mold in Commercial Buildings

Mold loves to call home areas that you do not regularly inspect. But be on the lookout for the following red flags, as these early signs can help you catch a mold issue before it spreads out of control.

  • Chronic moldy smells.
  • Stains on walls or ceilings.
  • Unnecessary humidity/condensation.
  • Stains or water leaks.
  • Employee complaints of unexplained sickness.

When you observe any of these, it’s time to do some detective work and unearth mold hiding somewhere.

How to Prevent and Handle Mold in Commercial Buildings

It is impossible to get rid of mold spores from the environment, although it is possible to regulate the conditions in which they can grow.

Prevention Tips

  • Maintain a humidity level of less than 60%; 30% or 50% is preferred.
  • Inspect HVAC systems regularly and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation.
  • Repair leaks and water damage as soon as possible.
  • In wet places, employ mold-resistant building materials.
  • Routinely inspect for mold, especially after water penetration.

What to Do If You Suspect Mold

  • Contact a certified mold inspector.
  • Perform air and surface tests as required.
  • Eliminate moisture sources immediately.
  • Dispose of and replace affected materials.
  • Clean up according to EPA or industry-recommended procedures.

DIY mold removal can leave spores behind and pose health risks. Always involve trained professionals.

Final Thoughts

Mold in commercial buildings isn’t just a maintenance issue; it’s a threat to your property and your people. And the tricky part is that it is usually hard to notice until it is a big problem.

Be it an office, retail store, school, or warehouse, the idea is to remain proactive. Do not wait till you see mold or hear complaints from employees. Massive costs and potential legal action can be avoided by performing regular inspections and addressing the problem at its early stages.

At GreenWorks Inspections, we have specialized in the detection and solution of hidden molds before they turn into a disaster. Our certified inspectors utilize high-tech equipment that helps to locate mold and moisture even in the most inaccessible places.

Don’t wait for mold to take root and damage your property or reputation. Call GreenWorks now to schedule a thorough mold inspection for your business establishment. We will take care of your place and make it safe, healthy, and hassle-free.