Mold Misconceptions

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to mold, there's information you need to know. However, that doesn't mean that it's all correct. From mold cleaning tips to which types of mold are hazardous to your health, misconceptions are everywhere. If you find yourself browsing through the internet looking for guidance after encountering mold growth in your home, keep an eye for these common mold myths:

Mold is Only Found in Water-Damaged Homes.

While it's true that mold forms in areas that have issues with water damage, that's not the whole picture. Mold and mildew are always present—both indoors and outdoors. When mold spores land on a surface containing moisture, they can begin to grow. Regardless of whether or not you've had recent water damage to your home or business, all structures have the potential for a mold problem, especially in high humidity areas like crawlspaces and basements. 

It's Not a Dangerous Mold if it isn't Black.

While black mold does have a dark appearance, it's not the only type of mold that can cause health concerns. Color alone cannot determine a mold’s level of toxicity, and some dangerous molds come in colors such as brown, green, yellow, pink, or white. Mold can affect people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, so it's important to address any type of mold growth. The CDC recommends that if you believe you have symptoms from mold exposure, you should contact your physician to determine if you should vacate the premises. 

Black Mold is "toxic" to Humans and Animals.

Calling black mold "toxic" implies that it is somehow poisonous to those who contact it. No "toxic" mold exists, although molds can be toxigenic. If a toxigenic mold is growing and releasing spores into the air, it can create unhealthy air quality conditions that affect household members. Black mold is one of the most well-known toxigenic molds associated with health concerns.

Mold Can be Treated with DIY Methods.

There's a lot of DIY advice out there from unreliable sources that tell homeowners that treating mold with bleach is enough to fix the problem. Although bleach can indeed be an effective surface cleaner, mold often colonizes porous materials that cannot be treated with this DIY method, like behind walls, under floors, inside insulation, etc. For remediation that eliminates the issue permanently, contact SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast, your local mold removal professionals. 

While there's no question that mold can be a headache for homeowners, it's not a problem that has to result in an empty wallet and a damaged home! At SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast, we provide fast, highly effective mold remediation. Best of all, our services are guaranteed! 

Don't rely on random, incorrect information from the internet to treat your mold issues—just give our experts a call for a free estimate at (813) 694-9092. For additional information about understanding mold and the mold remediation process, check out our website at SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast.