Misinformation about mold – its effects and how to treat it – is common and can be costly to your health and property, especially as temperatures rise. After water leaks, flooding from rainstorms or even excessive humidity, mold can form and quickly grow into a major problem. With so much misinformation spreading online, it’s important to know the facts vs. fiction about mold!
Know the Myths About Mold
Myth 1 — Bleach or other retail products can kill mold on any surface. FALSE! Most retail products simply discolor mold and are not recommended for use on porous surfaces, such as wood, carpet, ceiling tile or drywall. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned bleach from mold remediation services.
Myth 2 — Black mold is not hazardous to your health. FALSE! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms black mold is known to cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, increased risks for infections and a host of other health issues.
Myth 3 — Dead mold can’t cause health issues. FALSE! Mold simply goes dormant until conditions are favorable for regrowth. Even dormant mold can release spores, allowing it to reproduce and reappear, particularly if the underlying moisture and ventilation issues have not been resolved.
Myth 4 — Mold is the only problem associated with water damage. FALSE! Mold can begin to appear within 24-48 hours, depending on the nature of the water intrusion. And when water is present where it shouldn’t be, it can quickly cause a host of problems, including structural damage.
Health Affects From Mold
Mold produces allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances or chemicals called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins are a normal part of the metabolism of fungus and mold and can cause mild to severe health problems in sensitive individuals such as infants, children, seniors, immune-suppressed, chemotherapy patients, those recovering from recent surgery or bone marrow transplants and others.
The common health effects from exposure to mold can include:
Don’t DIY! Trust The Experts For Mold Removal!
Special expertise is needed for effective mold and mildew removal and even toxic mold removal. While it’s tempting to DIY, bleach and other retail products are ineffective at removing mold and will simply stir up mold spores and spread mold. If you experience a mold problem in your home or business, ServiceMaster By Mason is ready to help with mold inspection, certified air quality testing, and mold remediation and removal. For a no-obligation estimate or air quality testing call 800-934-5869.
