The Texas winter storm Uri of 2021 was a catastrophic event that caused widespread damage across the state. At least 210 people were killed as a result of the storm, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas estimated that the state's storm-related financial damages would range from $80 billion to $130 billion.
One of the most common and costly problems faced by homeowners was water damage from burst pipes. In some cases, this damage was caused by freezing temperatures that caused pipes to expand and burst. In other cases, it was due to the high winds that toppled trees and power lines, causing power outages that left pipes without heat and causing them to freeze and burst.
The resulting water damage from these burst pipes often led to the growth of mold. Mold can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory issues, skin rashes, and headaches. Mold inspection and testing are essential for any home or business that has been affected by water damage.
If you suspect that you have mold in your home or office, contact MSE Environmental right away. They will be able to test for mold and determine the best course of action for removal.
The Correlation between Pipe BuRst into Mold Growth
When water freezes in a pipe, it expands and exerts enormous pressure. If a pipe breaks, numerous supply lines may quickly leak hundreds of gallons or more of water into a structure. Water gradually makes its way to the lowest spot it can reach, which means that a broken pipe on the second or third level might cause water damage to that floor and the floors below. Under some situations, even sewage pipes can freeze and break, allowing potentially infectious waste to pollute a structure.
It can cause water damage to the surrounding areas of your home, creating ideal conditions for mold to grow. This can be especially true in basements and attics, where moisture can accumulate and remain undetected. If the pipe burst is left unrepaired for an extended period of time, the conditions become even more favorable for mold. Mold can also begin to grow quickly in water-damaged walls and furniture, which can put you and your family at risk for health problems.
Health Risks when exposed to a large quantity of Molds
Molds have the potential to be harmful to one's health. Molds create allergens and irritants (substances that might induce allergic responses). Watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, headache, and exhaustion may result from inhaling or handling mold or mold particles. Repeated mold exposure might enhance sensitivity, resulting in more severe allergic responses.
Mold allergies are rather frequent. They might be both immediate and delayed. Molds can also trigger asthma episodes in persons who are allergic to mold. Furthermore, mold exposure can irritate both mold-allergic and non-allergic people's eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Inhaling mold does not often cause symptoms other than allergic and irritating reactions.
Mold Inspection and Testing on the Aftermath of Winter Storm
There are several techniques to test for mold on your own. Almost any hardware shop will sell you an at-home mold test. However, you should be skeptical of these tests' accuracy. These tests have been known to produce inaccurate findings. Unopened test kits were even moldy when purchased in certain circumstances.
Furthermore, mold testing should be performed by a fully licensed, experienced mold inspector because it is highly technical, if not dangerous. If you don't know anything about mold, you can misinterpret the results. There is also the risk of test result contamination if the proper chain of custody is not followed during the testing procedure. A professional examination and testing is the best method to find out. Unlike at-home testing, qualified professional mold inspectors can determine where mold is developing, where it is coming from, and the severity of the mold.
With that being said, MSE Environmental provides expert mold inspection and testing services throughout the United States. Our mold inspectors are all ACAC trained and skilled focusing mainly on mold testing and inspection. To avoid any conflict of interest and to deliver the best mold testing services in the Country, we exclusively employ neutral third-party laboratories.
Conclusion
It is always the what if’s that people are so afraid of. What if there is another Winter Storm hitting the Texas Region, are you prepared for the end results? It is always preferable to have information and practical expertise on what to do in the aftermath. Mold growth is one of the most disastrous effects of this catastrophe. The dangers of mold are real and should not be taken lightly. If you find or suspect that you have mold in your home, take steps to remove it as soon as possible. Proper inspection and prevention steps are important when it comes to preventing future mold growth.
CONTACT MSE ENVIRONMENTAL TODAY FOR HELP AND ADVICE IN DEALING WITH MOLD TESTING AND INSPECTION.
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