Types of Mold
Unfortunately not every homeowner knows how to identify mold for what it is and what to do about it. The key thing is to be prepared and aware. Here is how to identify the different mold types in your home and what to do about them.
Black Mold, popularly known as Toxic Mold, Stachybotrys mold, or Monatan mold, is a toxic form of mold that has very unpleasant qualities. It can also lead to serious respiratory problems if not removed or treated promptly. Mold growth can result in shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest pains, memory loss, irritability, and chronic headaches.
What are two diseases caused by mold?
The health risk associated with toxic forms of mold are really twofold. The first is long term health damage. The second is short term health risk. Short term health risk is just that: short term. Once mold growth has been detected and remediated, the problem is usually long gone.
If you suspect mold growth in your home, you will want to know what kind it is. Black Mold, Stachybotrys mold, or Monatan mold are common toxic varieties of mold. They are typically found growing in moist dark areas like the bathroom, near sinks, and in the basement or garage. Not all molds produce toxins but most of them do. Mold that produces toxins can be identified by the color and appearance of the spores.
What does Stachybotrys mold look like?
The common greenish-black color of Stachybotrys mold is often the first sign of mold growth. Mold growth that grows in patches or stripes rather than in a continuous pattern is more toxic. Another important point to look for is a fungus that grows along the surfaces of the walls. Often this fungal infection will cause a musty odor to emanate from the wall surfaces and can produce physical rashes.
Mold growth that is not widespread and not visually obvious will most likely be the result of water damage. In order to identify mold growth on drywall, ceiling tiles, or other surface exposed to moisture, place a drop cloth over the area. If the fabric becomes damp, there may be mold. If there is only water on the surface, a quick fix is to open a window or turn on a fan to increase the air humidity.
What is the best way to deal with mold?
Once you have determined that you have mold, it is time to address the problem. If you have already eliminated the water source, you will need to get a mold killing solution to eliminate the mold growth. Mold killers are available for purchase or you can use household products like vinegar to kill the mold. If the mold growth is not widespread, you may not need to use a mold killer. In this case, the only course of action is to remove the affected surfaces, clean them thoroughly, and then replace them.
How to identify mold should become a routine part of your cleaning regimen. Mold spores can be detected quite easily in dark or humid areas. Excessive moisture can also create conditions favorable for mold growth. It is very important to make sure that your home is properly ventilated and that all of your appliances and fixtures are functioning properly. You can protect your family from a mold-related illness by following the simple steps above.
How harmful is mold to your health?
Mold can be a serious health concern, but there is no need to panic if you find mold in your home. The key to successfully combating this problem is to know how to identify mold. When you suspect that you have mold, the best course of action is to call a professional mold inspector. Since there are several types of mold, you need to ensure that you hire someone who knows what they are doing. In the event that you do not have time to hire someone, do not worry; here are a few helpful tips on how to identify mold yourself:
If you do not feel that you have mold, but you are concerned about water damage, you will still need to learn how to identify mold before calling in a professional. You can determine if you have water damaged structural building materials by looking for discolored spots on the surface. If you see dark spots on the surface of your walls, floors, or ceiling, this is another sign that you may have moisture issue and should report it to a mold remediation company as soon as possible. If you see any discolored spots on insulation or drywall, there may be more serious underlying problems that you need to address with a professional.
How to prevent mold spread at home ?
While learning how to identify mold is important, the most important piece of this puzzle is prevention. This means that if you start to notice mold, make sure you take immediate action to remove the mold. For larger infestations, this may mean turning off the water source and sealing off the area. However, if the source of the mold is a moisture leak or flood, you need to call in a professional to treat the mold. Mold remediation is often much more complicated than simply mopping up the spot.
