Mold facts and myths: what you need to know
Now a-days, finding the correct solution to deal with your mold issues can be difficult. With so many resources available online, it can be difficult to determine which source of information is providing you with the best solution for your mold problem. Below, we’ve debunked several myths about mold and how to determine whether common misconceptions about mold are, in fact, actual problems that need dealing with.
- Just because you don’t see mold, doesn’t mean that it’s not there. One of the worst aspects of mold is that it may become a problem before you realize it. This is because mold grows in the form of microscopic spores. Once the mold begins propagating, spores become airborne until they find a moisture-rich spot where they can settle and grow. Once mold spores find a place to grow, they will continue growing until they become a colony. Have you ever seen black, blue or green mold splotches? These splotches are actually mold colonies that have had substantial time to grow. Since it takes time for mold to become visible, mold may actually be an issue long before you actually see it. Since mold thrives in moisture-rich areas, it may also be growing in places that you would not typically think to check. Mold growth within walls and behind appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, is not uncommon.
- Mold is dangerous for everyone, not just the elderly, children, and people with respiratory issues. Once mold starts growing, it will eventually affect the air quality in your home if it isn’t treated. The idea that mold-infected air is not strong enough to cause problems for healthy adults is a myth. Although the elderly, children and people with respiratory issues are more prone to mold-related air quality issues, indoor air quality is dangerous to everyone. Over time, mold growth can cause a number of health issues including sore throats, coughing, and other symptoms.
- Mold can still grow, even if you haven’t had any water damage. The idea that water damage problems and mold growth are mutually exclusive, is inaccurate. While it is logical to assume water damage problems will cause mold growth, mold is still able to grow, even without an unusually high concentration of water. In naturally humid states, like California, mold colonies can still grow without water-related incidents.
- You cannot take care of your mold issues without an experienced and licensed professional. Mold is incredibly resilient and cannot be easily removed without professional assistance. When you try and scrub away mold colonies with water and soap, or bleach, you are merely moving the mold spores. Without taking serious measures to prevent mold colonies from returning, you can reasonably assume that mold will return.
If you believe mold to be growing in your home or building, you should have your structure tested for mold. Only a licensed and experienced professional can test for mold presence and determine whether or not the presence of mold is a threat to you or your family.
The experienced and licensed mold technicians at Rarefied Air Environmental have provided mold testing in San Diego for years. We can collect air samples and surface samples to detect the presence of mold and help you develop a plan for remediation. Contact Rarefied Air Environmental today to schedule an appointment!