A: Microscopic mold spores drift constantly through the air, invisible to the naked eye. If they land in the proper environment, they can quickly grow into large colonies. The "proper environment" can take a variety of different forms, as long as it has sufficient nutrients and moisture. Wood, carpet, wallpaper, and even dust often provide all the nutrients mold spores need. As long as there is sufficient moisture, then, mold can grow almost anywhere in the home.
Q: Is mold growth in homes dangerous?
A: Mold can cause mild to severe health problems in people, or none at all. Every person's reaction to mold is different. Mold spores are a common allergen, however, so individuals who are routinely affected by allergies, as well as those with chronic lung and/or respiratory disorders, are likely to experience health problems if mole spores are inhaled. Depending on the severity of their preexisting conditions, some of their reactions to mold growth can be very serious.
Q: Are there different types of home mold?
A: Yes, there are a few different types of home mold. A few common types include:
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
- Fusarium
- Stachybotrys Chartarum
- Trichoderma
Q: Are some types of home mold more dangerous than others?
A: Some types of mold do tend to cause more severe reactions in people than others. Stachybotrys Chartarum (commonly known as "black mold") and Trichoderma often pose more serious health risks than other types of mold. While not inherently toxic themselves, these molds produce something called "mycotoxins" which can be extremely toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Q: What is the best way to prevent mold growth?
A: Keeping your home bright, clean, and dry is the best way to prevent mold growth. Mold requires a significant amount of moisture to grow - without enough moisture, it cannot survive. Here are some simple tips to reduce moisture levels in your home:
- Install a dehumidifier
- Run the air conditioning during the summer
- Turn on the bathroom ceiling fan or open a window while showering
- Install vents to the outdoors in your crawlspace
- Disinfect and dry all surfaces in your home, especially sinks and counter tops
- Repair any plumbing leaks
- Increase air flow in your home by turning on fans and/or opening windows
Q: How can existing mold populations be removed?
A: Depending on the severity of your mold population, different strategies can be used to clear your home of the mold growth. Minor growth on non-organic surfaces such as tile, metal, glass, concrete, and some counter tops can be cleaned with the proper disinfectant. However, organic surfaces such as drywall and wood require careful attention. In these cases, simply cleaning the surface may not be enough. You may have to consider removing the affected material entirely; mold can grow into the material (not just on the surface).
After disinfecting the affected surfaces, be sure to thoroughly dry the surfaces (and keep them dry in the future) to prevent the mold growth from returning. If you have a serious infestation or the mold is growing in areas you cannot access (such as the air ducts), you will probably want to hire a certified mold remediation expert to help you.
After disinfecting the affected surfaces, be sure to thoroughly dry the surfaces (and keep them dry in the future) to prevent the mold growth from returning. If you have a serious infestation or the mold is growing in areas you cannot access (such as the air ducts), you will probably want to hire a certified mold remediation expert to help you.
Home mold can be a serious problem if left unattended, but it can generally be removed relatively easily with the proper tools and techniques. If you notice the people in your home developing unusually strong allergic reactions or if you are able to visually recognize mold growth in your home, do not wait. The sooner you begin tackling the problem, the easier it will be to rid your home of unwanted mold growth. If you have questions about home mold or are looking for a mold removal expert in the Dallas suburbs, give us a call! Best PowerWash Dallas is the top mold removal expert in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Carrollton, Lewisville, and Denton, Texas.
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