When someone mentions black mold, our minds typically think toxic mold and this is a scary topic.
But the first thing you need to know is that not all black mold is toxic. A common misconception is that all black mold is toxic and will get even the healthiest person sick. Toxic mold can really come in many different colors.
There are many different species of black mold and it is important to differentiate between the different types. Knowing what black mold is, is essential to knowing what type of black mold you have in your home.
Mold is made up of tiny microscopic organisms that can either grow indoors or outdoors. The mold spores are spread by being blown in the air or disturbed from their surface in any other way. Mold spores are a lot smaller than pollen grains. This allows the spores to get into our lungs, which makes it a common cause of asthma attacks in people with asthma.
All fungus requires moisture to survive. Black mold can grow anywhere. However, it is most likely to appear in warm, humid areas. Mold can be found in your carpet, drywall, wood paneling, and drop-down ceiling tiles. Mold grows when carpet, drywall, wood paneling, etc. remain wet over time.
It is important to clean up any spills immediately and fix any moisture problems you find in your home as mold will start to grow within 24-48 hours. Proper ventilation and air movement helps to prevent mold from growing.
Black mold will often have a distinctive smell; usually, like mildew with a musty kind of smell. Some people describe the smell as rotting wood or wet, dirty socks. Either way, the mold is always referred to as having a musty smell. Occasionally when you have mold in your home, the smell is the only clue that you have. Don’t ignore the smell of mildew in your home. It’s important to find where the smell is coming from and in turn, find the mold.
Molds are decomposers of organic material such as wood, animals, and plants. Mold and their spores are found in high concentrations in places like piles of leaves, manure, and compost. Mold can enter your home through doorways, windows, ventilation, air conditioning vents, and your heating. It is often common for mold spores from the air to attach to pets, your shoes, clothes, or to bags. The mold spores will drop onto places of moisture where they will then continue to grow.
Mold likes to hide out in warm, wet environments. Finding black mold, or any type of mold, is scary. But if you do come across any, it is very important that you get it taken care of and removed. Mold has been known to cause people, especially those with asthma, to become very sick.
Just remember that when and if you find mold, it doesn’t always mean that you have toxic black mold in your home. There are many other different kinds of mold that may not be as dangerous or scary as the black toxic mold.
At CCS we are trained and certified for any mold remediation. Call us at 920.435.2288 and schedule your FREE Mold Assessment if you smell mold in your home.