There are thousands of different species of fungi on Earth, and mold is one of them. There are a few fundamental varieties of mold to be aware of, but it would be impossible to describe them all here. Some just need a short cleanup and are safe. Others, if not addressed and eliminated by an expert, can result in major issues.
Even while there are steps you can take to stop mold from developing in your home, we'll talk more about those later. Occasionally, mold may start to build up without your notice. Additionally, it sometimes takes time for it to manifest itself once it does begin to grow. It's crucial to maintain calm if you notice mold perhaps starting to grow in a certain region of your house. Instead, spend a few minutes inspecting the area to ascertain whether: Firstly, Is it mold? Second, What kind of mold is it?
Mold is one of the things that, if you're like most homeowners, you don't pause to think about until it happens. Even if you have a suspicion that mold is present, there are a variety of mold types.
1. MOLD EVERYWHERE
The correct temperature, moisture, and a food source are all that are required for mold to form. While mold can result from leaks or floods, it can also grow in homes without any problems.
2. MOLD IS USUALLY CLASSIFIED AS EITHER TOXIC OR ALLERGENIC
There are more and more critical questions regarding mold and health. Many molds were described using terms like "toxic," which might be unsettling, especially if you're unsure whether you actually have mold. So, let's get to it. Molds that can cause allergy-like symptoms, particularly upper respiratory symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing, are referred to as "allergenic" molds. The CDC claims that "toxic mould" are mislabelled because there is little proof that they can have a negative impact on one's health. Nevertheless, the name is still used, therefore it's critical to comprehend it before you encounter it in other sources.
3. MOLDS ARE AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF COLORS
Mold in your home might be brown, greenish, black, gray, orange, or even pink depending on the kind that is present. Depending on its age and the material it feeds on, mold can have a variety of hues. Some mold species have the ability to change color twice or three times during their lifetime.
4. MOLD IS NOT LIMITED TO THE BATHROOM
Contrary to popular opinion, mold is not just a problem in the kitchen or bathroom. Anywhere there is moisture, mold can grow. Mold particularly like wet, dark areas, like your basement. Additionally, mold can develop on furniture, windows, fabric, carpeting, and upholstery, particularly in recently flooded buildings.
5. MOLD GROWS QUICKLY
Mold can grow quickly on surfaces in your house, especially if it's feeding on moisture that's gone undetected, such from a leaking sink that wasn't noticed. Mold can also spread by way of the air. How? Mold spores can spread throughout your home's air when they are present in your HVAC system. They gradually fall to other surfaces, where they also start to grow.
6. MOLD DOES NOT NEED TO BE TERRIFYING
Mold is more widespread than most people are aware of. There is no need to panic if you notice a patch of mold growing in your home, but it does have health consequences, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or there is a lot of mold there. Mold can develop for many reasons, but it can also be removed swiftly and securely.
7. "BLACK MOLD" IS NOT AS RARE AS YOU MIGHT THINK
How can black mold appear? This is a frequently asked question, and with valid reason. True "Black Mold," often referred to as Stachybotrys, can have detrimental effects on one's health. People are concerned since it has been in the news a lot recently and because it is especially dangerous for children and those with pre-existing medical conditions. However, Stachybotrys differs from other household molds that might have a black appearance in hue. In reality, Stachybotrys isn't usually to blame if you discover black mold in your home.
Are you unsure of how to spot black mold? It often develops over time in homes with water damage or high humidity, maybe as a result of malfunctioning HVAC systems. Homes with humid climates or those that use humidifiers frequently are likewise more dangerous.
8. DIFFERENT PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY MOLD
Different mold species can result in various health problems. Some have an adverse effect on the skin, while others may have an adverse effect on the ability to breathe. However, adults and children with other underlying medical issues, such as asthma, are frequently the ones most impacted by mold.
Some individuals mistakenly believe that in order to figure how to stop mold, you must first determine the species. Despite the fact that there are hundreds of different types of mold, you don't need to test the mold or undergo a mold identification procedure in order to get it out. Because there isn't a set industry standard for the allowable types and amounts of each mold species, mold sampling isn't always a good tool to assess the danger in your home. If you are allergic to mold and discover it in your home, it must be removed immediately; the kind of mold does not matter in the removal procedure.
9. MOLD IS USUALLY A SIGN OF A BIGGER PROBLEM
Mold is frequently a clue that you need to fix a plumbing problem or water leak in your home. Some types of mold also emit a musty smell, which is a dead giveaway that you need to deal with a greater issue.
In locations that have seen heavy storms and flooding, mold is also a major worry. For instance, following Hurricane Katrina, mold started to grow in numerous structures in New Orleans.
10. MOLD APPRECIATES WARM TEMPERATURES
People could mistakenly believe that mold doesn't grow during the summer or in climate-controlled spaces because the majority of mold species prefer dark, warm environments. However, that is untrue. Many different kinds of mold may survive without warm conditions.