Mold growth is not an unusual sight indoors, with 300,000 known varieties. This hurricane season, high moisture will most likely contribute to mold appearance inside your home or business.
While most mold species are harmless, exposure to some of them could lead to allergies and respiratory problems. When you find mold in your property, have it removed right away by professional mold remediators, such as ServiceMaster by Reed.
It is important to learn about mold and to recognize the different mold types that commonly grow indoors. ServiceMaster by Reed has compiled them for you.
Facts About Mold
- Mold thrives on moisture. Indoors, it grows in damp, moist areas such as basements, bathrooms, or places where there had been water damage.
- Mildew is a flat growth which often appears white or gray and is considered to be an early stage of mold.
- Mildew grows on surfaces and can often be easily cleaned.
- Mold propagates through spores, which function as seeds to create new mold colonies.
- Adequate ventilation can reduce mold development. Run fans and open windows and doors so that damp areas can dry thoroughly.
- Mold growth can be indicated by a musty smell. It must be located and removed immediately.
- Mold growth can be inhibited by keeping humidity levels below 45 percent.
- Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after a water damage incident.
- After a flood, mold may be hidden behind drywall, within insulation, or throughout the HVAC system.
- Mold growth may be reduced by adding mold inhibitors to paint.
- Effective mold remediation can only be performed by professionals, such as ServiceMaster by Reed.
Common Types of Mold Indoors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold is a fungus that can be found indoors and outdoors, thriving in damp, humid and warm environments. The most common types of mold found indoors are:
Alternaria
- Alternaria is an outdoor mold commonly thriving on vegetation but can also grow indoors.
- This type of mold enters the home through doors and windows and grows on moist surfaces.
- Alternaria is an allergen and can trigger asthma.
- In a survey of lead and allergens in housing, Alternaria has been found in more than 90% of house dust samples.
Aspergillus
- Aspergillus grows in warm, moist places and poses a health hazard for the immunocompromised.
- While Aspergillus produces spores that are harmless to most people, those with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions are at risk of developing Aspergillosis.
Cladosporium
- Cladosporium is a pathogenic fungi commonly found on plants, but could be common indoors especially in areas with high levels of moisture.
- This type of mold can grow on surfaces such as walls, wood and water-damaged carpets.
- Cladosporium can be airborne and cause allergies, trigger asthma and cause eye, skin, sinus and even brain infections.
Penicillium
- This type of mold is commonly found on food, but it could also grow on household surfaces such as carpets, rugs, drapery and wallpaper.
- Like any mold, it grows in moist and warm conditions, such as areas that have recently been affected by water damage.
Stachybotrys
- Also known as "black" mold, Stachybotrys can produce mycotoxins that can lead to serious health issues such as breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.
- Stachybotrys is a dangerous mold and must be removed only by a professional mold remediation company.
Minor mold growth in bathrooms, basements and other areas of your home can be removed without damage to the affected surface. However, when the mold problem escalates, this would require professional intervention.
Health Risks of Mold
- Allergies and allergic reactions
- Aggravates asthma attacks
- Flu-like symptoms like headache, fever, cough and wheezing
- Eye, nose, throat and skin irritations
- Diminished lung function (with extended mold exposure)
Structural Damage from Mold Growth
Mold growth can affect and compromise the structural integrity of a building. The mold Serpula lacrymans, typically found in wood, is a troublesome fungus that causes decay to wood building materials. Also called “dry rot”, this fungus can cause extensive damage depending on its amount, location and length of time present. Unattended damage from mold can compromise a structure and require expensive repairs or replacements.
Why is Air Quality Testing Recommended?
Mold inspectors may recommend an air quality test to determine the type of mold growing in your structure and the degree of infestation. Moreover, whatever the type of mold present, the CDC recommends that mold should be removed immediately to prevent future growth.
If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for molds, before the work starts, you should ask the consultants who will do the work to establish criteria for interpreting the test results. They should tell you in advance what they will do or what recommendations they will make based on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be interpreted without physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the building’s characteristics and the factors that led to the present condition.
Mold May Be Causing Your Christmas Tree Allergy
Researchers from St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut have discovered that a fresh Christmas tree can raise the mold level in a room by as much as five times their normal levels. Tree mold in Christmas trees may trigger or cause the following:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Sneezing
- Runny nose and/or nasal congestion
- Wheezing/difficulty breathing
If you’re using a live tree as decoration this holiday season, give it a thorough shake before bringing it indoors to reduce the presence of tree mold. To lessen exposure to allergens, keep a live tree up for at most one week. An alternative option is to utilize an artificial tree or to buy a live, potted tree.
Make an Appointment for Air Quality Testing and Mold Remediation Today
For a fast response to your mold emergency, ServiceMaster by Reed is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (954) 922-2020. We service commercial properties in Hollywood, Florida and surrounding areas and counties.
- We offer FREE estimates for all insurance claims
- We bill insurance directly, so you don't have to
- 100% guaranteed work with years of industry experience
You may also connect with us online to schedule an appointment, or email us at smreedoffice1@aol.com. Our office is located in 1210 Stirling Rd. Unit # 8A Dania Beach, FL 33004.
An independent franchise business licensed to serve you by ServiceMaster Restore®.