Home > Education > Mold > Mold

Mold

Mold is a natural part of our natural environment, breaking down dead tissue from plants and animals and providing a natural recycling source.  We’ve all seen it, of course, that discolored, fuzzy mold on bread or other food mold problems.  We’ve also scrubbed it from our bathroom tiles, and in most cases, this sort of mold is completely harmless.

Mold can occur anywhere there is moisture to be found, and may be found in basements, crawlspaces, closets, or bathrooms.  It may the result of flooding, leaking roofs, plumbing leaks, or even broken window seals.

Of all mold types, none are more dangerous than black mold, which releases dangerous mycotoxins that can prove hazardous or even lethal if inhaled by humans and animals. See pictures of mold to the right for examples of black mold.

In most cases, mold allergy is the worst problem experienced, but all mold growth should be considered dangerous and removed.   Worst case scenarios include respiratory problems, neurological disorders, lung disease, and in rare cases, death.  It all depends on the level and duration of exposure to mold spores, and the type of mold you are dealing with.  Cleaning mold may be as easy as using a bleach solution, or in larger cases, professional help may be required.

Whenever working with mold, be sure to wear protective clothing, long sleeves, pants, gloves, eye wear, and either a filter style face mask or better yet, a respirator.  The idea is to prevent inhalation of mold spores.

Call your local IICRC certified mold remediation specialist today.