The Hidden Dangers of Mold in Commercial Buildings

• Mold is a stealthy threat that damages property and poses serious health risks to occupants. 
• It thrives in hidden, damp areas, making early detection difficult. 
• Mold causes health issues like wheezing, persistent coughing, sinus congestion, headaches, fatigue, and eye, throat, and skin irritation. 
• Proactive prevention of mold in buildings requires regular inspection and addressing moisture issues promptly. 

Is it safe to work in a building with mold? That’s a question no one should ever have to ask. Mold is a sneaky threat that quietly damages property and harms people’s health. In offices, warehouses, retail stores, and other busy work environments, the risks multiply because of higher foot traffic and critical business operations. 

The stakes are even higher for landlords and property managers. You have a responsibility to keep your space not just functional, but safe and livable. 

Onsite Pro Restoration has seen firsthand how much damage hidden mold in buildings can cause. That’s why you need to be as proactive as possible about mold prevention and remediation. 

Why Mold Thrives in Large, Busy Buildings 

Many people think mold only shows up in old or neglected properties, but that’s not true. Sometimes, moisture gets trapped during construction and develops into mold. Or, a building might have issues with its plumbing and ventilation systems. 

Other common causes of mold in commercial buildings include damaged roofs, leaky windows and gutters, and too much humidity. HVAC systems are also a prime culprit because they create condensation. 

High-risk areas include restrooms, basements, ceilings that have had water damage in the past, and areas around air ducts or vents. Unfortunately, mold loves dark, damp spots, so it doesn’t always grow where you can easily see it. It hides behind drywall, under flooring, or inside ductwork. If you can see it, it’s likely already a grave problem. That’s what makes dealing with it so tricky. 

Health Risks For Employees and Occupants 

It is definitely not safe to work in a building with mold. Even if it’s not black mold, the spores can trigger a variety of symptoms. These include wheezing, persistent coughing, sinus congestion, headaches, fatigue, and eyes, throat, and skin irritation. 

The effects of mold in buildings can be far more serious for people with asthma or weak immune systems, potentially leading to respiratory infections or making their conditions worse. 

In environments where people spend a lot of time, like offices or warehouses, even small amounts of mold can hurt productivity and lead to long-term health issues. 

Plus, from a legal point of view, ignoring mold could put you, the business owner or property manager, in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standards for indoor air quality and safe working conditions. This brings up another important consideration… 

Legal and Financial Liabilities 

Mold in buildings is also a major liability. Property owners could face lawsuits from tenants, employees, or even customers who get sick and can link it to exposure in their building. In 2021, for example, a woman in South Florida was awarded a staggering $48 million after toxic mold in their apartment caused lasting health complications. 

This financial hit doesn’t stop with legal fees. Mold infestations can damage your property, forcing temporary shutdowns that disrupt business operations. Your insurance may not cover these losses, especially if the mold in your building was caused by neglect or poor upkeep. 

On top of all that, mold can lower the value of commercial properties and make them harder to rent out or sell. Nobody wants to inherit a hidden problem. 

Signs of Hidden Mold 

Remember, mold doesn’t always show itself openly. Be vigilant for subtle indicators like funky odors, unexplained stains, peeling paint, warped drywall, and such. 

You might also notice an increase in allergy-like symptoms among building occupants or customers, such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or headaches that seem to worsen indoors. It is not safe to work in a building with mold, so do not ignore these issues. 

Also, watch out for more humidity indoors or a sudden increase in HVAC repairs. Those are red flags because mold thrives in ductwork and clogged systems. If your property suddenly needs a lot more upkeep, it’s worth investigating what’s behind it. 

What Business Owners Should Do 

The best way to deal with mold in buildings is to stop it before it even starts. This means regularly testing air quality and inspecting your property, especially places where leaks, moisture, or poor ventilation are common. 

Don’t wait until you see obvious damage. Deal with any plumbing problems, water stains, or sudden increases in humidity as soon as they arise. 

Think You Might Have a Mold Problem? 

You need professionals like Onsite Pro Restoration to do an assessment. We conduct thorough inspections and use advanced tools for mold testing. 

Our mold services include a detailed report of mold types and contaminants we find, along with a custom remediation plan designed by experts. And if you do have an infestation of mold in your building, our experienced team will help you get your space back to being clean and safe in no time. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.