Mold is a recurring nuisance for most property owners in the Sunshine State. This fungus only needs moisture and organic material in order to thrive, so it’s highly likely to grow inside your living quarters. It may be hard to recognize the type of mold present in your area as well as determine if it is dangerous or not. Armstrong debunks common mold myths to keep our Southwest Florida property owners informed and safe.
Myth No. 1: Mold is harmful.
- Mold is a natural decomposer, which makes it highly beneficial to nature. Some types of mold are used in food production, such as cheese-making, which others are used in medicine.
- However, not all mold types are harmless. Some types can be toxic and dangerous and cause allergies and respiratory irritations. While everyone’s reaction to mold is not the same, mold can especially be harmful to children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Extensive mold growth can be unsafe even for healthy individuals.
- Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly called “black mold“, is a toxic mold type. There are, however, other mold types with a black appearance but are different from black mold.
Myth No. 2: Mold will make you sick.
- Mold triggers varied reactions in the people exposed to it and its spores.
- Some molds that are not black mold can also be destructive.
- Exposure to mold can trigger reactions such as eye, nose, and skin irritations and coughing. These reactions vary from person to person. Over time, untreated mold growth can cause serious health problems.
- Mold exposure may lead to symptoms similar to that of Parkinson’s disease, according to researchers at Rutgers University.
Myth No. 3: All mold is visible.
- Mold can grow in easily visible places and in hard-to-reach areas, so it may take a thorough property inspection to detect mold development.
- Musty odors often indicate mold growth, even if you think growth isn’t present. If you notice a funny smell that never seems to go away, it might be time to call a mold inspector.
Myth No. 4: Bleach can kill mold.
- Bleach can remove surface mold on non-porous materials, but it doesn’t kill mold or its spores. It also cannot remove mold that has penetrated a material.
- Mold may return even if an area is treated with bleach, especially if there is high moisture and poor ventilation.
- In order to effectively eliminate mold and contain its spread, it is important to hire a mold remediation expert.
Myth No. 5: Mold is easy to remove on your own.
- Bleach may solve a mold problem temporarily, but with incorrect procedures and improper actions, home remedies to mold growth may just do more harm than good.
- In addition, some mold types are toxic to human health and may put you at risk when you try to remove them.
- Only licensed mold remediation professionals have the training and knowledge to perform comprehensive mold removal with the proper equipment and protocols.
How to Prevent Mold Growth
- Control moisture.
- Improve ventilation.
- Clean your property often, especially areas that are often damp or wet (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.).
Learn more about mold from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Professional Mold Remediation Service in Fort Myers, Florida
Property owners have to deal with mold at some point. Do not take chances by trying to remove mold on your own. Let Armstrong perform the difficult task of eliminating mold and its spores from your home or workplace. Our team provides excellent and reliable restoration and home improvement services throughout Southwest Florida.
Why Choose Armstrong for Property Damage Restoration?
- Bonded and Insured
- 100% Workmanship Guaranteed
- Complete Restorations (Water Damage/Fire Damage/Mold Remediation)
- Licensed and Certified General Contractor
- State of Florida Residential Contractor’s License #L1607070001182
- IICRC-Certified in Water Damage Restoration, Applied Structural Drying, Fire & Smoke Restoration, and Applied Microbial Remediation, #100623
Learn more by calling Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations at (239) 592-3777 or connect with us online today!