You don’t see mold in the news that much, but it really should be more of a topic of conversation. It’s pervasive and problematic in many areas of the country, but the dangers of it go unnoticed because people aren’t reminded of it like they should be. Most people think that mold is gross so it shouldn’t be talked about. They do have somewhat of a point. Mold is gross. It’s also fascinating, and it can be very dangerous, so it should be talked about more clearly. People need to know the dangers. Consider this information: 

• Mold spores are everywhere, and we breathe them in all the time. Most of them are harmless, but there are some that can cause serious problems, especially for people who have lung problems already. These can even lead to mold growth in the lungs.

 

• Most mold problems come from Stachybotrys chartarum, which is greenish-black and associated with a lot of heavy water damage like flooding or leaking pipes. Most of the health effects from it are similar to other molds, but there have been more adverse and serious effects reported, as well.

 

• You shouldn’t let any mold grow and multiply indoors. That little bit of mold on your shower curtain might not hurt you, but the longer it lingers the higher the chance that it will continue to spread leading to odors and possible sickness.

 

• If you see or smell mold in a home or business you must first find the source of the moisture problem and correct it, then clean up the existing mold, then dry the area thoroughly. Where a lot of people go wrong is in treating the mold only, which is a symptom of a more serious problem (water damage from flooding, leaking pipes, or other problems).

 
It’s easy to see that there’s a lot to learn about mold growth and how to properly remove it from your home. However, that doesn’t mean that you should simply ignore the issue because it seems too complicated or you aren’t interested in learning.  

Mold can be a very serious hazard to your health and it can certainly damage your property. If you’re trying to sell your home, for example, mold growth or evidence of past mold growth can kill a sale because prospective buyers will be automatically concerned about what caused the mold growth in the first place. They might walk away before they even see all the great features that your house has to offer. 

For the sake of your property value – not to mention the sake of your health – clean mold thoroughly and make sure that you remove all traces of it. If you’re not sure how to do it right, if it’s a big area, or if your health is compromised, hire a professional who can fix the moisture problem, eradicate the mold growth, and make the area look new again. This can often include replacing sheetrock, so expect that it will be relatively expensive. Shop around to get the best deal and pick someone that you feel comfortable with. Your health and property values will thank you.

The MoldBlogger Team