Thursday, March 26, 2015

How do I know when Mold is bad?

The term 'toxic black mold' is very popular. Family, friends, friends of friends and just about everyone warns about its dangers. Hearing stories may frighten someone, especially since mold is very common in homes. But as the CDC explains, the term 'toxic black mold' is inaccurate. Mold itself is not toxic. Rather, some (very few) molds produce mycotoxins which can be hazardous to one's health. These are not commonly found in homes. Instead, homes often have other types of mold, known as allergenic molds. 

What people commonly refer to as 'toxic black mold' is not precisely black. Instead, mold associated with hazards looks thick, dark greenish-black, slimy and fuzzy when wet and fuzzy or powdery when dry. It will have already grown in a large area rather than one or two spots on a wall. This is less common and usually appears in areas that are left wet or are repeatedly wet. 

However, it's important to know that when left untreated for a long period of time, all molds can potentially become hazardous. That's because mold is a living fungus that depends on whatever it is feeding on to grow. The longer a mold issue is left untreated, the bigger chance there is that it can expand and become hazardous.

If you have a large mold issue you should consult with a mold remediation company for advice and removal. Although it might not be 'toxic black mold' it is still best to address the issues right away and mitigate any damages.

If you want to know more about mold, check out these articles:
EPA Brief Guide to Mold Clean Up
3 Indicators of Mold in your Home
Molds in the Environment
CDC Facts about Molds