Any Mold Can Be Dangerous
The pigmentation in molds and their toxicity are not in any way connected. There are a number of molds that happen to be black or dark green in color, resembling Stachybotrys, but do not contain any of the toxins that make black mold so dangerous.
It is fundamentally impossible to look at a mold and determine if its dangerous or not. Thats why its important to contact a professional when you discover mold. This holds true in the reverse scenario as well just because a mold isnt black, doesnt indicate that it is safe or non-toxic. Ultimately, while some molds may not be toxic or poisonous, they still indicate a problem and should be properly handled by an expert.
Dont attempt to remove them unless youre 100% sure theyre safe and youre wearing protective equipment. Its always better to contact a professional who can attack mold at its source by repairing cracked foundations or other sources of moisture.
Do You Have Toxic Mold In Your Home
How to tell if you may be dealing with toxic mold in your home:
What Causes A Basement To Smell Like Mold
Basements tend to smell like mold because they are typically more damp which allows mold and mildew to grow and thrive. Being underground, a basement is not only susceptible to water intrusion at the foundation, but also warmer air entering the building envelope which leads to condensation.
If your like me and you grew up having an unfinished basement you probably have an odor that comes to mind
Just that damp/mustiness odor.
This not mean that your basement is dirty. You can vacuum and mop all you want but if you do not resolve the root of the problem it will do you no good.
As stated above, basements tend to have more moisture. Itâs just the way it is.
Itâs important to find out if moisture is entering your basement in other ways, as well. If you notice a broken seal on a window or a crack in the foundation wall, you may have found your musty culprit. You should also check to see if you have clogged rain gutters, French drains, sewer backups, leaky pipes or even a broken seal on your laundry dryer vent as these problems can all contribute to a musty basement.
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However A Subfloor Is A Good Spot For A Mold Colony To Settle Because Of Its Position
What does mold look like on hardwood floors. If possible, vacuum over the subfloor with a vacuum cleaner. Holes, or what looks like holes. Mold usually grows in areas that were once exposed to water, spills or moisture.
Mold can grow on any organic material. Identifying the right color of the wood will help you look for a darker shade on the wood surface. It can come in a variety of colors such as black, white, green, gray, brown or yellow.
Weve written a review on the best vacuum cleaner, do check it out and make your choice. White mold will appear as small white spots and patches along a surface. Discoloration in the form of white spots or blotches.
It grows in several places where the area gets moisture. It can come in a variety of colors such as black, white, green, gray, brown or yellow. Covered by the finish flooring which can come as a ceramic tile, hardwood, a laminate, a pad, or a carpet a subfloor is protected from sunlight
If youve had a recent moisture intrusion, keep an eye out for the most common sign of white mold on wood: What does mold look like on hardwood floors. It can appear in a variety of colors:
High humidity, above 60%, will be sufficient to allow mold to grow. Signs of mold under hardwood floors you can smell it, though. Mold are the ones that usually produces millions of microscopic spores.
Well, mold doesnt have a face or body like us. This will remove most of the dead mold. There is no exact color of mold.
What does mold look like?
Signs Of Black Mold In A House
As a homeowner, you might wonder how to identify signs of a black mold growth in your home.
The first and most important realization for you when you are looking to spot a black mold growth is that there has been a water breach in your space. This can be a large breach such as a major breakage or a smaller leak of a roof or through windows.
In either case, the moisture that comes in makes black mold growth likely.
Other clues to a black mold issue can include:
- Dark spots on a wall
- Discolored tile grout
- Baseboards peeling away from walls
- Spots on carpets
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Signs Of Mold And Mildew In Your Home
Mildew can typically be detected via sight. Youll know mildew by its powdery appearance and white or gray color. Mold can be more difficult to detect because it grows on food and more permanent structures, including the interior of those structures.
If youre unsure whether youre looking at mold or mildew, an easy way to distinguish between the two is to place a few drops of bleach on the affected area. After five minutes, check the spot for any differences. If the area is lighter, youre likely dealing with mildew, but if the spot is still dark in color, its probably mold.
Another way to determine the presence of mold is to purchase an at-home test kit. These kits are sold in stores or online and use petri dishes to capture mold scores. After the petri dish has been exposed to the homes air for several days, its returned to the manufacturer, who reports back to you whether mold is present. While these kits are helpful for preliminary screening, they wont help you locate the molds source.
Professionals have more advanced methods of testing, including air sampling, surface testing, and bulk testing. Air sampling tests the concentration of spores in the air. In surface testing, samples are gathered through swabbing or tape lifting and then examined in a laboratory.
Think You Have Mold Schedule An Inspection Today
If you found mold in your basement, moisture is leaking into your home. Contact us online to schedule an appointment or give us a call at 469-1780. We also offer a free 20-point inspection to any homeowner who wants to make sure their basement is safe, secure, and moisture free.
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How Can I Prevent Black Mold From Growing In The Future
To dissuade black mold from returning, try to eliminate as much moisture from your home as possible. This includes repairing leaks, installing dehumidifiers and ceiling fans and opening windows and doors frequently in order to create ventilation. If there is carpeting in damp areas of your home, like bathrooms or the laundry room, consider removing it if possible. Be sure to regularly and thoroughly clean bathrooms, the kitchen, the laundry room, the basement and any other areas of your home near a water source.
Scrub Moldy Surfaces With Mold Cleaner
- Scrub the surface mold stains from walls and wood trim with a mixture of one quart water and 1/2-cup bleach mold cleaner to kill the mold.
- Use a soft brush and work until signs of the mold disappear.
- After scrubbing the surfaces, allow the bleach solution to continue to penetrate the surfaces and dry.
- Wipe off, but DO NOT RINSE these surfaces.
- Set trim in direct sunlight to dry. Scrub concrete with TSP or automatic dishwasher detergent.
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How To Tell If Mold Is Toxic
Mold is a nasty problem to deal with for any home or business-owner. In the wake of a disaster such as a storm, its possible for mold to start growing in as quickly as 1-2 days. Whats even more alarming is when that mold turns out to be toxic, posing a serious risk to you and anyone else on your property.
To clarify, its not that the mold you are dealing with in and of itself is toxic. Its that certain strains of mold, like the notorious Stachybotrys chartarummore commonly known as black moldproduce mycotoxins. Its these mycotoxins which may cause a burning sensation in the throat and lungs, chest pain, persistent coughing, fever, rashes, and migraines. Prolonged exposure to Stachybotrys may lead to serious health issues, including breathing problems, fatigue, sinusitis and other pain in the sinus cavities, and even depression.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Mold
Its important to understand that mold is everywhere. Mold itself is a fungus that grows from spores. These spores are literally everywhere, all around us. They only grow in the right environmental conditions, such as warmth and moisture, so they are not always going to be a problem. Did you know that mold spores can even survive in space? The spores themselves are that hardy and durable that they can survive the vacuum of space.
There are also thousands of different species of mold, with many of them still unknown to science. Of course, there are more common types of mold that might grow in your home or office, including black mold. This can pose some very specific health problems.
In general though, every type of harmful mold falls into one of the following three types:
- Toxigenic mold: In simple terms this is toxic mold. This kind of mold creates toxic byproducts that can cause some very serious health conditions.
- Allergenic mold: This kind of mold often results in triggering allergies such as asthma attacks and other health conditions.
- Pathogenic mold: These kinds of molds are especially problematic for anyone with a weakened immune system and those with a health condition already.
Of these, black mold is perhaps the most common and one that many homeowners will come across at some point. So, why is it such a problem?
The Problem with Black Mold
It is most commonly found in the following areas of a home:
- In the bathroom
- In the roof space and on ceilings
- In laundry areas
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Consider The Benefits Of Professional Mold Removal
Even if mold cleanup in your new home looks like an easy job, think twice about handling it by yourself. Talk with a restoration company that specializes in mold removal. Certified technicians handle everything from independent mold testing to drywall tear-out and reconstruction. You also enjoy these important benefits.
Restoration teams address all structural damage caused by mold including rotted wood framing. They follow up with industry-proven mitigation techniques that keep mold from coming back. From start to finish, you have detailed documentation of all completed work and accrued expenses. You enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing the mold problem in your new house is resolved.
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:
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Do You Think You Might Have Mold Growing In Your Home
Maybe youve noticed an unusual smell, can see signs of mold growth, have developed lasting cold- or flu-like symptoms, or are having trouble breathing. Whatever the reason, if youre concerned that mold is growing in your home, its important to determine the type and severity through a professional mold inspection.
Our expert environmental consultants at JSE Labs provide professional, in-home inspections and testing, or you can collect your own sample and submit it to us for testing. We can help you keep your home and family safe from the dangers associated with household mold.
If you have questions about how we work or would like to have your home tested for mold, contact us today or give us a call at .
How Do You Keep Mold Out Of Buildings And Homes
Inspect buildings for evidence of water damage and visible mold as part of routine building maintenance, Correct conditions causing mold growth to prevent mold growth.
Inside your home you can control mold growth by:
- Controlling humidity levels
- Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.
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Issues That Cause Mold And Mildew
Moisture is the chief cause behind the growth of mold and mildew. Mold spores entering your home are inevitable this is difficult to stop. But you can stop the factors that help mold and mildew to grow. Besides moisture, lack of sunlight, poor ventilation, and dirt and debris can cause mold and mildew to grow. Because of this, mold and mildew tend to develop in the home:
- Under carpeting
What Is Black Mold
Black mold, like all molds, is a fungus that grows in moist, humid, and dark areas. It is composed of spores that float in the air and can be dangerous to some who inhale it.
The scientific name for black mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. You can tell it is black mold by its greenish-black color. It can grow on materials with a high cellulose content, like wallboard, wooden products, and paper.
Growth happens when there is moisture from water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth.
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What To Do If You Find Mold In Your House
After a water breach in your home, it is almost certainly true that some mold has begun to grow in affected areas.
When you suspect mold is growing, there are several steps to take to protect the health and safety of those who live and work in your home.
The first is to contact a mold inspector, like the Denver-based trained and certified professionals at HRS, to assess the situation, find the water breach, and stop it.
Then, professional service providers are able to use tools like thermal cameras and moisture meters to discover mold and remediate it. This means that the affected areas are dried, cleaned, and disinfected.
A full restoration can then occur. At HRS, our licensed contractors are able to complete all remaining repairs and return your home to its pre-damaged condition.
What Impact Does Mold Have On Your Health
Everyones immune system and medical history is different. That said, most government or medical guidelines abstain from providing safe exposure limits to mold. Due to these variables, it is impossible to say if exposure to low concentrations of mold is safe since every individual will react differently.
The fact is that people with suppressed immune systems are most likely to experience health issues when they spend time in a room filled with mold. Although difficult to predict, exposure to mold growing indoors can be associated with nasal and sinus congestion, cough/sore throat, asthma , nosebleed, headache, skin and eye irritation, etc. Long-term exposure to indoor mold can lead to health issues that develop faster for certain groups infants, children and elderly people.
It is very important to keep in mind that some types of mold are capable of producing extremely potent toxins called mycotoxins, which can lead to severe health consequences such as cancer.
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