Washington’s Damp Climate Encourages Mold
Our often wet weather here in Spokane, Washington creates the perfect conditions for mold to thrive. Frequent rain and damp indoor environments make water damaged homes a breeding ground for mold. If left unchecked, mold infestations can quickly take hold, affecting our air conditioners, walls, carpets, and other surfaces.
Since many types of mold are common in humid environments, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to prevent mold growth before it becomes a serious problem impacting your indoor air quality and your family’s health.
Rapid Mold Growth After Water Exposure
It’s scary, but mold spores can start growing in as little as 24–48 hours after water gets in. And if your home’s wet areas aren’t dried thoroughly, mold colonies can form and spread rapidly, particularly in our city’s fluctuating humidity.
Hidden Mold – Unseen but Hazardous
Mold is sneaky and often hides in damp places like your crawl space or basement, behind walls, and under flooring. If you notice a musty smell or discoloration on your walls and ceilings, that may be your first warning sign. Even when it’s out of sight, mold exposure can still cause health problems because molds produce allergens that linger in the air. You or your loved ones may develop hay fever type symptoms, such as a runny nose, skin rash, or itchy eyes, making it crucial to find and remove hidden mold.
Health Issues from Mold Exposure
Breathing in mold spores can trigger allergic responses and worsen asthma symptoms. Symptoms of mold exposure can range from mild issues, like a runny nose or cough, to more serious reactions, such as shortness of breath and wheezing. People with asthma are especially vulnerable since mold spores can cause frequent asthma attacks, aggravating pre-existing respiratory conditions.
“Black Mold” and Toxic Effects
Some types of mold, like the infamous “black mold” (Stachybotrys chartarum), produce toxins called mycotoxins. If you are exposed to a large amount of mold of this type, you may experience severe health effects like chronic fatigue, headaches, and irritation of the eyes or lungs. Long-term exposure to toxic mold can lead to more dangerous conditions, especially in those with weakened immune systems.
High-Risk Groups and Mold
Thankfully, most of us aren’t harmed by mold. But people with asthma, allergies, or chronic lung diseases may face greater risks from mold exposure and suffer from increased asthma symptoms or more severe allergic responses. For those with weakened immune systems, mold exposure can sometimes cause serious infections and complications, such as lung infections and acute breathing problems. If anyone in your home has a medical condition that makes them sensitive to mold, prioritize removing mold and keeping your indoor moisture levels under control.
Mold Prevention Through Moisture Control
While completely eliminating mold spores from your home is impossible, keeping your indoor environment dry will help prevent mold growth. The best ways to control moisture include:
- Fixing leaks and drying any water damaged areas quickly
- Using air conditioners and dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels below 50%
- Ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements
- Cleaning and maintaining HVAC systems to prevent mold from spreading.
By managing moisture levels, you can reduce the amount of mold in your home and minimize the risk of health problems linked to mold exposure.
Local Response and Responsibility
It’s important to note that Washington health authorities emphasize that homeowners must take personal responsibility for their own mold management. Spokane’s Regional Health District does not offer in-home mold inspections but advises residents to follow state guidelines for mold cleanup. In cases of severe or hidden mold infestations, professional remediation is highly recommended to ensure all water damage is properly repaired and mold is thoroughly removed. This is the best way to protect your home’s health and air quality.
Your Trusted Partner in Mold Remediation
In Spokane’s damp climate, preventing mold growth is much easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation. As a reminder, the key to mold control is moisture control—fix leaks immediately, dry wet areas within 24–48 hours, and keep humidity levels low. Regularly check for signs of mold and clean small patches safely, ensuring the root cause is addressed to prevent regrowth.
If mold is extensive or hidden, consider seeking professional assistance from Specialty Group to remove it completely and maintain a safe, mold-free home.
Don’t hesitate. Contact us today to talk with one of our fully trained and certified mold experts.
References
Ogden, Mark. “Mold Remediation Vital Role in Spokane Water Restoration.” USAWire, 23 Feb. 2024, https://usawire.com/mold-remediation-vital-role-in-spokane-water-restoration/.
“Mold.” Spokane Regional Health District, n.d., https://srhd.org/health-topics/environmental-health/mold.
“Mold.” Washington State Department of Health, n.d., https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/mold.
