Mold in the home is often misunderstood and downplayed. People think that all homes have some amount of mold, so it is not a threat. In reality, homeowners need to be vigilant to remove all quantities of molds of any type. Have your home tested for mold to learn what mold species are growing there and plan the best ways to remove them. Working with mold professionals to identify and remove mold is essential for protecting your family’s health. We’ve debunked four myths about mold in the home.
Myth 1: If You Can See Mold, You Don’t Need to Test for It
You may think that if there is visible mold in your home, you don’t need to have the home tested for it because it is already apparent. Mold sampling determines more than whether or not the house has mold. It identifies the type(s) of molds in the home which is essential to determine how serious of a problem it is. The best remediation method depends on what kind of mold you are dealing with and where it is located. Cleaning can remove some types of molds, but you’ll need to remove the material it is growing on for others.
Myth 2: Myths About Mold Odor
Just because you don’t notice a musty smell doesn’t mean mold isn’t growing. Not all types of mold emit an odor and not all mold smells like what you’d expect. Look out for signs with your other senses. You might notice stains of various colors, like green, brown, black, or even pink and orange. If you know you had a leaking pipe or a flood in the basement, there’s a good chance that mold is growing.
Myth 3: Only Black Mold is Toxic
Black mold (Stachybotrys) is notorious for being toxic and making people very sick, but other types and colors of mold also have adverse health effects. Chaetomium is a mold commonly found in water-damaged areas of a building and can cause allergy-like and respiratory symptoms. It is even responsible for some auto-immune diseases and neurological damage. Aspergillus and Penicillium are some other types of mold that are abundant in nature but when trapped inside a house may cause allergies, lung infections, and asthmatic reactions.
Myth 4: Small Amounts of Mold Aren’t a Concern
While a tiny spot of mold might not seem like a big deal, mold spores will consistently reproduce and spread. It’s a lot easier to get rid of a small area of mold before it grows to cover a larger area. Any amount of mold is a concern and should be addressed right away, even if it is not visible.
Don’t Believe Myths About Mold
Mold can ruin your home’s materials and prompt or exacerbate serious health problems for family members of any age. Don’t downplay any signs of mold in your home. By ignoring mold, you guarantee that it will worsen over time. Take action immediately, no matter how minor the problem may seem.
Aztec Home Inspections provides inspection services, including mold evaluations, to customers in Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, and surrounding areas. Contact us to request an appointment.