sThriving in high-humidity climates and feasting on dust and moisture, mold can inhabit the dark and damp places of your home or business. The prevention of mold spores is impossible. These spores are afloat all around us both inside and outside of buildings and structures. There are quite a few facts about mold. Below you will find seven mold facts courtesy of Mission Restorations.
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus born from tiny airborne spores. These spores seek out damp, moist areas to latch onto and within 24-48 hours begin to grow into mold. Mold can cause severe health problems in individuals already suffering allergies or asthma.
If mold is discovered in an area of your home, then it is best to get a certified mold remediation team out there as soon as possible. These professionals will have the tools to eradicate the issue and get it right the first time. Brushing up on a few facts about mold may make the process of removal go over a bit more smoothly.
Mold Facts #1 – Mold Spreads Quickly
Of all the facts about mold on the list, this may be the one that is most common knowledge. It tends to hide in areas that are hard to reach thus making it hard to remove. Mold can spread rapidly from its original water source to your furniture, fabrics, and other personal belongings. It even has the tendency to infect porous materials which will need to be completely replaced.
Mold Facts #2 – Aspergillus is the Most Common Indoor Mold
This mold can be found on walls, clothing, paper products, and insulation. It also comes in shades of green, gray, black, brown, and white.
Mold Facts #3 – Use of Bleach is Not Recommended
Killing mold with the use of bleach is not the answer. Dead mold spores can still cause health problems in human lungs. The IICRC also frowns upon the use of bleach to kill mold. The use of bleach will not address the actual problem. So don’t use it!
Mold Facts # 4 – Mold Inspection is Important for a New Home
If you’re looking into purchasing a new home, then having it inspected for mold is crucial. It is not universally mandatory for a real estate agent to disclose a mold problem in the home. There are even some agents will attempt to hide this information in order to make a sale. Mold remediation is costly so if the home for purchase does have a mold problem, then you can look forward to tacking on additional charges to get the mold removed.
Mold Facts #5 – Mold Causes a Lot in Costly Damages Annually
$3.5 billion in medical health care bill expenses each year are attributed to mold. 21% of all U.S. asthma cases are also linked to dampness and mold growth. The total cost of medical and building repair associated with mold is over $180 billion.
Mold Facts #6 – Some Mold Spores Can Be Toxic
Almost all molds that grow inside buildings produce triple helical glucan which is toxic to lung cells. Even very low exposure can result in inflammation. Stachybotrys, commonly referred to as “black mold” also carries toxins similar to other molds. If exposed to large quantities, then it can cause severe health problems.
Mold Facts #7 – To Spot Mold Use Your Nose
Often times mold will remain hidden inside your home. Sometimes even within your walls or air vents. Mold has a musty, damp, earthy smell to it which is easy to pick up. If you happen to be walking around your home and sense such an odor, then it may be time to call in mold removal and remediation specialists.
To home or health, mold can be detrimental and will need to be eradicated posthaste. These few facts about mold just might provide the knowledge needed when facing this threat.
It always pays to be well prepared for whatever the future brings. This is also why you should have a restoration company you know and trust. Mission Restorations has experts in fire, water, and mold restoration. If ever in need of services, don’t hesitate to call the best damage restoration team in Charlotte and its surrounding areas at 704-727-2000.
