Being educated about the causes and risks of mold, as well as how to best remove and prevent it can help you cope with mold issues. Here are the answers to 10 frequently asked questions about mold in homes:
- What is mold?
Mold is a sort of fungus that lives nearly everywhere there is moisture, oxygen, and organic matter. Mold has an important function in nature as it assists decompose organic substances. But, mold found inside can lead to health issues, in addition to structural issues to buildings.
- Why does mold grow in homes?
Mold releases microscopic mold spores into the air. Since mold spores are airborne, all houses have mold spores in them, some over others. Mold grows in homes because virtually all homes meet the requirements of mold growth: moisture, nutrients (for example, cellulose), and time.
- Where does mold grow in homes?
Mold commonly grows in areas which are prone to moisture, such as the cellar and bath. However, mold can also grow in concealed regions of the house, like behind walls, under the floor, in the air-conditioning system, in the crawl area, or at the loft.
- So when does mold become a problem?
Although all houses have mold spores inside them, larger patches of mold growth can lead to health issues and structural damage. Signs of mold in homes include a musty odor and the visible white or black specks in areas of your house that have a water issue.
- Can I vulnerable to mold?
When there’s mold growth in your home, you can be subjected to it. When mold is disturbed, it releases spores into the indoor air that you breathe. Other forms of vulnerability include touching the mold or moldy items, eating moldy food, and hand-to-mouth contact.
- How does mold affect our health?
Mold-sensitive individuals may display allergy symptoms, such as coughing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, itchy eyes, wheezing, and skin irritation. Mold exposure can also trigger asthmatic symptoms which include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Mold can also cause irritant reactions, which are very similar to those of an allergic response.
- Can I test for mold?
When you suspect there is mold growing in your house, you don’t have to understand which type of mold it is, but you ought to get it removed as soon as possible. It is not required to test for mold if you already notice the signs of mold growth inside your home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk.
- Could I clean up the mold myself?
Even though it’s always preferable to hire a certified mold removal business, you might be able to get rid of small patches of mold yourself (which are smaller than 10 square feet). When you’re not sure how to remove mold, or if the infested region is bigger than 10 square feet, then get in touch with a skilled practitioner.
- How do I clean up mold?
Removing mold effectively is more difficult than most people believe. First, you need to use protective clothing to reduce exposure to mold. Then, you need to isolate the mold, so it will not spread to other rooms. Following that, fix the water issue and dry the affected surface. To clean up mold, scrub a mixture of household detergent and warm water on the surface (do not use bleach). Learn more about flood cleanup right here.
- How do I prevent mold growth in my home?
Preventing mold requires repairing moisture problems in your home. Repair leaks in the walls, gutters, roof, and plumbing pipes, maintain indoor humidity at 30-50% by using a dehumidifier, ventilate appliances that create moisture, and keep the gutter system clean. Learn more mold prevention tips here.
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