White Mold On Concrete
Mold grows everywhere, but has anyone ever thought it could grow on concrete? Yes, it does! Mold is commonly found on concrete basement floors. Typically, youll see a fuzzy, white mold growing on the surface of your concrete due to moisture rising from the wet ground.
Most times, the mold grows after prolonged dampness or flooding. You can easily identify it by its characteristic white cottony mycelium.
White mold on concrete can cause health issues, including infections, asthma, and other respiratory problems. You should prevent mold from growing on your concrete but when found, remove it as soon as possible.
How Do You Get The Molds Out Of Buildings Including Homes Schools And Places Of Employment
Mold growing in homes and buildings indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem to address.
Remove moldy items from living areas. Once mold starts to grow in carpet, insulation, ceiling tiles, drywall, or wallboard, the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement.
It is important to properly clean and dry the area as you can still have an allergic reaction to parts of the dead mold and mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture.
Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after any flooding. Dig out mud and dirt . Use a wet vacuum to remove remaining dirt. Scrub cleanable surfaces with soapy water and a bristle brush. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with water and dish detergent. Dry surfaces quickly and thoroughly after cleaning. If you have a fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier that wasnt affected by flooding use it to help the surfaces dry after you finish cleaning
Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.
If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:
How To Get Rid Of The Mold
In order to get rid of mold, you need to first scrape the mold off the surface on which it is growing. After you are done, vacuum the affected area with a vacuum that is fitted with a HEPA filter in order to remove any remaining spores. Thereafter, simply clean the area with a mold-killing solution. This may be a solution of vinegar, baking soda, alcohol, or commercial-grade mold-killing solutions. The last step is to make sure that the surface dries out by exposing it to direct sunlight, improving airflow in the room, or blotting out any excess moisture.
Also Check: Clean Bathroom Ceiling
How To Remove Black Mold
Protect yourself. You don’t need to worry about having mold tested if you find mold in your house. But you should get rid of it no matter what type of mold it is. Take precautions to protect yourself before you attempt to remove mold.
Use an N-95 face mask to avoid breathing in mold spores. Wear gloves to protect your hands and goggles without ventilation holes to protect your eyes.â
Find and destroy the mold. The most important part of removing mold is finding and removing its water source. Mold can’t grow without moisture. Keep the following tips in mind when you’re cleaning up mold:
- Items that can’t be dried quickly should be discarded if they show signs of mold or water damage. Porous items such as carpet, padding, drywall, and paper soak up moisture.
- Do not paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. Remove the mold and dry the surfaces before you paint. Paint applied over mold will peel.
- Use plastic sheeting to block an area with mold from the rest of your house and keep the spores from spreading.
- Scrub hard surfaces with mold with detergent and water and dry them thoroughly.
- Put any moldy items in a plastic bag before you take them out of the room to prevent mold spores from spreading.
- Use a HEPA filter in your air conditioner and furnace to capture mold spores that may be airborne in your house.
- Consult a specialist if you’re not sure of the best way to clean a valuable or sentimental item.â
How To Identify White Mold
Most of the time, you can identify white mold by examining its colour, texture, and odour. If it is fluffy, white, slimy and carries a specific musty odour, its likely white mold. Meanwhile, black or olive green discoloration will most likely be black mold.
However, mold doesnt always grow in plain sight, which is why it is important to get your home tested for mold as soon as you suspect a problem.
Recommended Reading: Removing Mold From Ceiling In Bathroom
Do I Need Professional Testing
In short, usually not! Because, remember the saying: no mold, no matter what color, belongs in a healthy home. And that is good news because a professional mold inspection with testing can run anywhere from $300-$750. In most cases where mold is clearly visible, knowing exactly what type of mold you have is unnecessary. We advise most of our clients to forgo the inspection process and just apply that money saved to the cost of fixing the problem. The EPA agrees that mold testing isnt necessary in most cases.
There are exceptions, however, such as when a mold inspection with testing is required as part of a real estate sale or if you require proof that a mold problem is present, such as for a legal dispute. If you think you may have a mold problem, but arent sure, then we recommend formal testing from a professional. And if you require clearance testing to verify an all clear after a mold problem is fixed, then professional mold testing is necessary.
How To Differentiate Between White Mold And Efflorescence
White mold and efflorescence look a lot alike. In fact, theyre so similar that people often mistake one for the other. Both are white in colour and found on walls and other building materials. Understanding what both substances are and how they form will help you to determine which one is making an appearance in your home.
So what is efflorescence? Simply put, efflorescence is salt deposits commonly found on concrete and brick. It develops when water evaporates from concrete or brick, and leaves behind a salty residue on the surface of the material. However, efflorescence causes only cosmetic damage and will not threaten the structural safety of your home. Likewise it also doesnt pose any risk to your health.
Tips for distinguishing between white mold and efflorescence:
- Efflorescence dissolves in watermold does not
- Efflorescence is typically found on concrete and brick while mold grows on organic materials like wood and drywall
- White mold is a living organism while efflorescence is simply salt deposits
- Efflorescence is not harmful. It wont make you sick, but white mold will.
- White mold gives off a distinctive odour while efflorescence not.
Read Also: Killing Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
I Found Mold Growing In My Home How Do I Test The Mold
If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home, and CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effect of mold on people can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, you cannot rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk.
What Does Mold On Bread Look Like The First Two Days
Bread mold spreads because of mold spores. So, the initial formation of mold is sometimes barely noticeable. Small patches of fuzz start forming on the surface of the bread, often still light in color or completely white.
Often, many people dont even see the mold because the texture of the bread is very similar to it.
Read Also: Can Black Mold Cause Lung Cancer
What Are The Health Effects Of Black Molds
When exposed to black molds, a person will most likely suffer from upper respiratory tract symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Wheezing or
- Other allergic reactions
People with asthma and weaker immune systems are at high risk of being affected by black mold. It can cause various health effects that can be dangerous to a persons health. If not treated immediately, it can also lead to mycotoxicosis or mold poisoning.
The Symptoms Of Mold Exposure
Some mold is dangerous, some mold isnt dangerous. Some mold can affect people in certain ways, and it can affect others in different ways. Sometimes it can be dangerous and still not give off any side effects in certain individuals. That being said, if you are exposed to mold and are sensitive to it, youll likely experience some of the following symptoms:
- coughing
- skin rash
- sore throat
If you suffer from severe asthma, youll want to be especially careful around all types of mold because the spores can trigger asthma attacks. Not only this, but they can eventually lead to chronic respiratory diseases. People with weakened immune systems also need to be extra careful because theyll be at high risk of a skin or lung infection.
Mold can be detrimental to children as well. It is a common belief that black mold, in particular, can be linked to severe health issues like memory loss, headaches, infant pulmonary hemorrhage, although there are no cases backing this.
Our Services
You May Like: Mold Spores On Bathroom Ceiling
Signs You Might Have Toxic Mold In Your Home
Seeing mold growing on an old piece of bread is creepy enough, but mold in the home is something next level. It might not be a problem you think about regularly, but if you feel like you have some weird health issues, you might be exhibiting some signs that you have toxic mold in your home. Since mold isn’t always visible or easy to spot, it’s important to know what to look out for so you can take care of any issues if you have some â you don’t want your health to suffer just because your house looks clean enough.
“Although toxic mold can bring on the most serious health problems, all mold and mildew can cause health issues â especially for those who suffer from allergies,” says Robert Weitz, a certified microbial investigator and principal of RTK Environmental Group, over email. “An important thing to consider: Do you feel bad at home or at work, but feel better when you leave? Itâs very likely a mold or indoor air quality issue.”
If you suspect you have mold in your home, look out for these seven telltale signs. These signs can help you identify a potential problem, but if you feel that mold has made its way in, schedule a test. An independent testing company will provide you with an unbiased assessment of the situation, determine what type of mold is growing in your home, and determine the proper course of action to remove it.
How Serious Is Mold In The Basement
If you find mold in your basement, its fairly serious. You should take steps to fix it immediately. Mold from the basement can spread throughout the house if left untreated.
Mold in the basement can cause health problems, including respiratory issues and skin irritations. Left too long, and mold spreads quickly, becoming harder to remove.
Take steps to immediately remove any mold you find. Once the mold is gone, you need to look for the cause to prevent it from coming back.
This is generally areas of damp, including previous leaks that were unable to dry properly.
You May Like: How To Clean Bathroom Ceiling Mildew
Wear Protective Clothing When Handling Black Mold
While cleaning up your home, you should wear protective clothing when handling black mold. This includes wearing a respirator and gloves, as well as covering your eyes with goggles or other eye protection.
If you have children in your home, make sure they are properly dressed whenever they come into contact with black mold. This fungus is extremely dangerous for the young and old, so take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.
If youre having trouble getting rid of black mold on your own, its best to call in a professional. They will have the experience and knowledge to safely remove black mold from your home without putting your family at risk.
What To Do If You Find Black Mold In Your House
If you suspect that there is a growth of black mold in your home, there are a few actions that you should take to immediately limit the chance that those who live and work in the space are safe.
The first is to contact a mold remediation service, like that offered by HRS in Denver to seek a mold inspection.
A mold inspection that is completed by a certified technician can help you identify where moisture is coming into your home and which type of mold is growing.
This can lead to a mold remediation and restoration that can not only stop the moisture but clean, disinfect and repair any damage that was done by the mold growth.
You May Like: Get Rid Of Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
Is Black Mold Dangerous Heres The Truth
The truth is, many people arent negatively affected by mold. However, mold can cause allergies in some people who are sensitive to mold. In these cases, it can make their lives miserable. Mold can also cause severe medical issues with a small percentage of people who have other health complications.
If youve seen a concerning growth in your home or been told that you have a black mold issue, you probably have a lot of questions.
Symptoms Of Mold Exposure
There are many health-related illnesses that can be caused by exposure to mold. These include ones typically associated with asthma, seasonal allergies, and lung issues.
If an individual is suffering from a common symptom of mold exposure, they may feel as if they have a cold, experience cough and congestion, and even run afever. Many also report itchy and watery eyes.
In more severe cases, mold exposure can also lead to headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and even psychiatric issues.
The degree of illness is most often associated with the time of exposure, the size of the mold growth, and the sensitivity of the person inhaling the spores.
Also Check: How To Remove Mold In Basement
What Are Black Mold Health Symptoms
We all know mold isnt welcomed in the home, but did you know too that breathing in the presence of mold can harm your health? There are over 2,000 different species of mold and the most dangerous of all is called Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as black mold or the invisible killer.
Why is black mold so dangerous? Black mold releases toxic spores that linger in the air and attack your respiratory health. The potency of these toxic spores has proved to be the most detrimental to human health.
Black mold often appears as slimy and greenish-black. If its water source runs out, it can also appear as dry and powdery. Black mold is also dangerous because its sometimes difficult to distinguish from other species of mold.
The following are health symptoms associated with black mold exposure:
- Eye irritation
In severe cases, symptoms caused by inhaling black mold can lead to the following health troubles:
- Vomiting
- Asthma
- Respiratory complications
Sometimes mold invades spaces that are hard to see and reach. It spreads fast, burrowing into walls and ceilings and hiding in cupboards and under carpets. Quite often, people are exposed to black mold without even knowing it. If you or anyone in your home is experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms without knowing why, you may be exposed to mold.
Read Also: How To Treat The Inside Of A Leather Holster
White Mold: Is It Dangerous & How To Remove It
White mold is lesser-known but still an incredibly dangerous species of mold to deal with. If youre ever unsure of what type you have, calling in certified professionals to perform mold testing services immediately is important. With that said, weve learned quite a bit about white mold in our many years of mold inspection and removal. Heres all you need to know and more!
Mold is a naturally occurring fungi, much like mushrooms and yeast. Hundreds of species of mold can be found in both indoor and outdoor environments. While many of these species are perfectly safe, others can be hazardous to your health, especially when they grow inside your home.
While most people tend to focus on black mold, also known as Stachybotrys, only a few are concerned about white mold growing within a building or home. However, white mold can also be very dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
In this article, we will outline the best ways to identify white mold in your home and remove it safely.
Contents
You May Like: Prevent Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
White Mold On Walls/drywall
White mold grows on your walls or drywall in the presence of moisture and low lights that breed its food. It can develop anywhere on your building walls, including the basement, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and other poorly ventilated rooms. Surprisingly, you can also find white mold growing on your tiled walls.
You can see visible growth of this mold on your damp painted or wallpapered walls that are peeling. Accompany signs include stale smells, moist cracked paints, and dusty or swollen walls.
White mold growth on your drywall can be dangerous to the health of those with allergy symptoms. Its spores can spread from the walls to humans and cause health risks. So, before it strikes, act fast to strike it first.
