Heavy rain, a burst pipe or flooding can cause more than just water damage to your home. It can lead to mildew and mold growth, which can become a health hazard.

CATSKILL, NY – A festering mold problem in a rural Catskill home has left one couple feeling helpless, and they are reaching out for help wherever they can.

Does your basement smell musty? Do your eyes water and breathing become tight when you go downstairs into the dark, moist cellar? You don’t need an air quality test to tell you that there is mold growing in your basement.

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If you live in the Northeast, you know that the summer of 2009 has been wet and rainy. Between May and June, Pennsylvania had over 10 inches of rain. In New York City, rain fell for 23 out of 30 days in the month of June.

When a home or building is infested with mold, the contamination can often be seen. It can exist along baseboards or on walls. At other times the mold may be hidden, such as within walls. In these cases, there may be musty smell or inhabitants may suffer from breathing or health problems. It is important to determine what type(s) of mold are present.

H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting announces a large-scale viral protective treatment process designed to treat both porous and non-porous surfaces for large buildings and institutions.

Black Mold, also known as Stachybotrys Chartarum, is a greenish-black fungus that grows well in materials with a high cellulose content. In homes, that includes drywall, carpet, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, flooring and more. Water damage, flooding and a dark, moist environment can create the conditions that allow mold and fungus to grow.

The New York Times has a great article on causes and prevention of mold growth in your bathroom.

Spring cleaning is a great time to get your house in order. While you clean and vacuum, take time to improve your home’s indoor air quality. Get rid of the hidden dirt, allergens and mold in areas that are often neglected during the winter. Common symptoms from mold or dust exposure include allergies or allergic reactions, asthma, bronchitis, sinus congestion, headaches or, in the case of severe mold exposure, even immune system disorders.

Here are some useful tips for springtime mold checks: