Last Updated on April 6, 2021 by Showrooms Online
Everything You Need to Know About Mold But Were Afraid to Ask
When you discover everything you need to know about mold you might feel a bit uncomfortable. It’s not the most pleasant topic of discussion but it needs more exposure. Obviously, mold can present some serious health concerns. And, the cleanup costs can be overwhelming. It’s unlikely that you will die from black mold exposure. Yet, you should act immediately if you discover it in your house. Mold is it’s treatable, removable, and preventable. Let us explain how to determine if you have mold and, if you do, how do you get rid of it.
Health Canada considers indoor mold growth to be a significant health hazard. The word mold is a common term referring to fungi that can grow on building materials in homes or other buildings. Damp conditions and mold growth in homes increase the risk of respiratory allergy symptoms and exacerbate asthma in mold-sensitive individuals. It is important to know how to identify, address and prevent moisture and mold in your home. Government of Canada
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. They can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature, breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day. WebMD
How To Tell If You Have Mold
An important part of everything you need to know about mold is, mold doesn’t always grow where you can see it. It often prefers to grow out of sight. There are some signs of mold you need to be aware of so you can take action. This silent threat to your home and health requires quick action. Read the following carefully, it could save you a lot of headaches.
1. Mold odor. Not all molds produce a smell, but many do. If you smell a persistent musty odor, then there might be mold in your home.
2. Visible signs of mold growth. Some molds might appear white and thread-like. Others appear in clusters of small back spots. Mold might be gray-brown, black, gray-green, or white. Mold that grows behind vinyl and wallpaper might be orange, pink, or purple.
3. Signs of water damage. Any long-term moisture will inevitably lead to mold. If your home has water stains, discoloration on walls, floor, or ceilings, of if you notice bubbling, cracking, or peeling paint or wallpaper, then you’re likely dealing with mold-producing problems.
4. Water leaks. Mold growth from leaks isn’t always noticeable, especially if the leak is behind a wall or other hidden surface. If you know of a leak, then it’s important to get it repaired quickly. Areas where condensation often form can also be a haven for mold, such as windows and metal pipes.
5. Past flooding. If your home has experienced any flooding in the past, then it’s very likely that you have some form of mold growth as a result. Green Home Solutions
Should I Have the Mold Tested?
There are many types of mold. A normal reaction might be, what type is it and how do I get it tested. Realistically, testing may not be necessary.
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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How to Remove Mold
You can remove mold from your house. But please be cautious. If the affected area is small then you can attempt the cleanup yourself. Don’t forget, you will be working with a toxic substance. There are several precautions you must take before starting the cleanup.
If the moldy area is small—it’s growing in an area that’s smaller than 3 feet by 3 feet—you can probably do a DIY cleanup. The CDC recommends wearing an N-95 respirator (found in hardware stores) and protective eyewear and gloves while handling mold. After you’ve fixed any plumbing leaks and cleaned up the water, you can scrub off the mold with a bleach solution made from no more than 1 cup of laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water. Explore Health
If the area of mold is more than 3 feet by 3 feet, you should seriously consider hiring a professional. They are better equipped to deal with toxic material and disposal. The contractor you hire should have insurance and certification. Check for documentation like The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
How to Prevent Mold From Growing
Once you have finished the cleanup, it’s time to start thinking about prevention. You don’t want any more mold. Here are some helpful tips to prevent mold. Prevention is an integral part of everything you need to know about mold.
1. Keep your home as dry as possible
2. Use fans to send moisture outside
3. Use a dehumidifier
4. Don’t finish your basement unless it’s very dry
We can all breathe easier knowing that we can get rid of mold in our homes. Above all, be careful with the cleanup and don’t hesitate to get professional help if needed. Let us know how you dealt with a mold problem.
