While mold is a common residential problem, it can also form in offices, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. Employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment for their team, so removing potential health hazards is a must. Here’s a guide to determining if your commercial space needs mold removal.

How Mold Forms in Commercial Buildings

Mold can form in any space where water, oxygen, and organic materials are present. In office buildings, it most commonly forms in dark, wet spaces like behind walls with a leaky pipe, underneath carpeting where spills have occurred, and on support beams underneath a leaky roof. Once spores form, they can travel through the air and into the ventilation system, allowing them to travel through the building. 

Signs of Mold

Mold can appear as small black, brown, or green spots on a surface. However, it can be tricky to spot in offices. A musty smell around walls, flooring, or vents can indicate growth. Mold can also irritate allergies and asthma, causing congestion, coughing, and even skin irritation for employees. If your employees complain about these symptoms, it may be time to seek mold testing and inspection.

Importance of Mold Removal

Since mold can make employees sick, removing it quickly can improve both morale and productivity. Workplaces with extreme exposure may even be able to file workers’ compensation claims. In addition to potential health concerns, mold also feeds off organic materials like wood, drywall, and ceiling tiles, so it can weaken support beams or walls in office buildings, creating safety hazards and leading to costly repairs in the future. 

How to Prevent Mold

Mold prevention starts with removing moisture. Replace leaky pipes, repair roof damage, and contain and clean up spills quickly. If the office building has just been treated for mold, consider installing dehumidifiers and air purifiers to remove moisture and mold spores from the air. Keep on the lookout for any spots or musty smells around the office. Should you detect any signs of mold, schedule a removal right away, as it is often easier to clean up in the early stages and before it spreads throughout the space. 

If you’re looking for a mold removal professional, contact A1 Mold Testing & Remediation Service in Lincoln, NE. Their service area reaches as far as  company performs certified mold inspections to locate spores and pinpoint the potential cause of mold, so you can keep your workplace healthy for the long term. With their service area reaching as far as Iowa and Colorado, be sure to visit the website or call (402) 474-6653 to get a quote or book an inspection.