Mold Growth and Water Damage: How Delayed Cleanup Can Lead to Serious Health Risks

Water damage in a home is a huge problem. It may seem harmless at first but mold can lead to serious health problems if not cleaned up immediately. When water sits too long, it cause mold to grow and spread. Mold loves moisture and damp places.

Why Does Mold Grow?

Mold grows when moisture is trapped inside a home. This can happen after a flood, a pipe leak or after sump pump failure when it's not dried in properly. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold can start to spread. The longer you wait for mitigation and restoration the worse the mold will get.

Mold needs three things to grow:

Moisture
Warmth
Something to feed on like wood, drywall or carpet.

Health Risks of Mold Exposure

Mold releases tiny particles called spores. This travels through out the air potentially infecting other areas of your home. When people breathe in these spores, they can have health problems. Some common health issues caused by mold include:

Allergies – Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and coughing can happen when someone is allergic to mold.
Asthma Attacks – People with asthma may have trouble breathing when mold is in their home.
Skin Rashes – Some people develop red, itchy skin from touching mold.
Serious Lung Problems – Mold can lead to infections or severe breathing problems, especially for young children, the elderly and those with weak immune systems.

The Dangers of Delaying Mold Damage Cleanup

The longer water damage is left untreated, the more dangerous mold becomes. Mold spreads fast and the cost to remove it gets higher the longer it stays. Also, the health risks increase over time. If mold is allowed to grow, it can damage walls, floors and furniture, making a home unsafe to live in. Mold is not a cheap service. The process is tedious. But you cannot put a price tag on your family's health. It is important to remove mold extremely thoroughly.

What Should You Do?

If you have water damage that has turned into mold damage, it is important to act quickly for cleanup. Here are the steps you should take:

Remove the Water – Get rid of standing water as soon as possible.
Dry the Area – Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry wet surfaces.
Check for Mold – Look for dark spots or a musty smell. These are signs of mold.
Call First In Restoration – Mold removal is not a DIY job. Leave it to the experts so we can safely remove your mold and repair water damage.

Keep Your Home Safe

The faster you act, the safer your home will be. Call us now. For expert water damage cleanup and professional mold removal, trust First In Restoration, Georgia’s #1 mold removal and water damage restoration company. As IICRC-certified specialists, we follow industry-leading standards to ensure your home is safe, dry, and mold-free. Don't let water damage or mold jeopardize your property and health—call First In Restoration today at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com for fast, reliable service. Your home deserves the best, and we’re here to deliver!