What You Need to Know About Mold

It’s sometimes invisible, can be hard to detect, and is found all over the world.  It’s mold, and there are hundreds of thousands of different types of mold out there, none of which you want in your home.

Here, we discuss what you need to know about mold and how dangerous it can be.

What is Mold?

So, what exactly is mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that can be found in almost any environment that has moisture and organic material such as wood and leaves. Mold requires a food source and moisture to grow. It reproduces via invisible, seed-like spores that spread through the air and spread mold on new services.

Here are some facts about mold you may not have known.

Mold is Preventable

If you live in a more humid environment, or if your home lacks ventilation, mold is more likely to grow. By controlling the humidity levels in your home, ventilating key areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, and fixing any leaky windows or pipes, you can minimize the chance of getting mold in your home.

You can also prevent mold by preventing flood and water damage. This will prevent the growth of toxic molds such as black mold.

Mold Can Be Hidden

Mold doesn’t have a smell of its own. If you notice a moldy smell, it’s a result of the mold interacting with the surface it’s on. This can give off the “moldy” smell of meat, rotting wood, or mustiness.

Mold can also be near-invisible to the naked eye. When mold first begins to grow, it may take several days for it to appear. Not all mold is green or black either. Mold can also be grey, red, white, or a multitude of colors.

Mold is a Health Hazard

Hidden mold can also be a hidden health hazard.

When we think of mold exposure, we often think of exposure to wild mold spores found outdoors. However, mold can also be found inside, and indoor mold exposure is common. In some otherwise healthy individuals, indoor mold exposure has been linked to health issues such as coughing, wheezing, upper respiratory tract infections, and asthma. If you or a loved one have a compromised immune system, you may face a higher risk of health issues from mold exposure.

It’s also possible for mold to affect people differently. So, while mold may not affect you personally, it could affect other members of your household.

Got Mold? Then You Need the Professionals

Don’t risk your health by trying to remove mold yourself or by simply painting over the mold and ignoring the root causes of your mold problem. You need to find and identify the cause of your mold, fix it, then remove it. You need professional, experienced help to remove the mold from your home or business.

Barakat Restoration can help remove mold and keep you safe. Mold restoration and remediation is our specialty. Our team is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certified), ensuring that you get trained, knowledgeable professionals on-site to help with your mold problem.
For a free inspection and estimate, contact us today.