Mold Facts That You Probably Didn’t Know

Bleach does not kill mold

This is a very common mistake. When people see mold, their first instinct is to grab a bottle of bleach. Mold will usually grow back within a few weeks of being cleaned.

You cannot paint over mold

Mold can grow back through paint (even “mold resistant” paint). In time, you will see the paint crack or bubble and eventually you will see the mold begin to show through.

Mold is difficult to get rid of

Most DIY methods only provide a temporary solution to the problem. Household cleaners are not strong enough to eliminate all of the mold spores and paint only covers up the problem temporarily. The only way to ensure you rid your home of mold is by hiring a professional mold remediation company. The experienced technicians will discover the mold, identify the source of moisture, remediate the mold, repair any damage and purify the air- leaving your home mold free!

There are over 10,000 different types of mold

While there are over 10,000 types of mold, only five types are commonly found indoors. These indoor molds typically belong to:

Aspergillus—this is the most common type of household mold. It can be found in a variety of colors ranging from black, brown, white, etc. Aspergillus can cause respiratory infections and lung inflammation.

Stachybotrys – also known as black mold and produces toxins called mycotoxins that can cause serious health issues. Black mold typically gives off a musty odor and only appears on surfaces that have had long term moisture exposure.

Cladosporium—can grow in lower temperatures than most molds and normally triggers hay fever and asthma symptoms. It usually appears with a black or olive-green color.

Penicillium— commonly found on wallpaper, carpeting, insulation and the like. It typically is blue or green and is accompanied by a strong musty odor.

Alternaria—this type of mold is usually found in buildings that have had suffered water damage and can appear black or dark brown. This type of mold has a wooly texture.

Mold is Everywhere

Literally everywhere. Mold spores are all around us all the time and it is virtually impossible to completely eradicate them. Some mold is actually good (we use some in food or in medicines). The problem comes when large amounts grow indoors.

Directly linked to some diseases

Mold can weaken your immune system which leaves you susceptible to other diseases. Mold has been found to directly cause Multiple Sclerosis. The exposure to mycotoxins found in mold causes inflammation which can harden the myelin sheath around nerves (which is a symptom of MS).

Nearly 50% of all homes contain mold

It has been found that just under 50% of homes contain elevated levels of mold. It has also been found that most “flipped homes” actually contain large amounts of mold that is hidden by fresh paint. The trouble is that paint cannot contain mold so these properties end up becoming “sick homes” where the residents end up with allergy and lung related health issues.

Mildew and mold are one in the same

Mildew stems from the same fungi that creates mold. If you have a mildew problem, you have a mold problem.

The World Health Organization declared mold an official health hazard

The World Health Organization announced that mold is a contributing factor in many health-related problems including cancer, pneumonia, asthma, miscarriages and allergies.

Mold spores are small enough to pass through normal air filters

The mesh in normal air filters is not tight enough to prevent mold spores from passing through. Instead, you need a HEPA filter which is capable of filtering particles as small as .03 microns.

Other interesting mold facts:

1. Vitamin D reduces the immunological response to mold.
2. Mold can develop on any surface
3. Mold can grow on Christmas trees which is usually the real cause of Christmas tree allergies.
4. Mold has been used in biological warfare
5. Dead mold spores are just as dangerous as live ones
6. Each year mold destroys more wood than fires and termite combined
7. The cost of repair mold problems in US homes is approximately 73 billion dollars per year
8. There is a type of mold that can move on its own called “slime mold”