About Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that can thrive anywhere, including basement, bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas in your home or office where there is dampness and moisture. Mold spores are microscopic and can be found even in the neatest of environments. Everyone is exposed to mold in the air they breathe, albeit in tiny amounts. Mold can appear black, white, orange, green, or purple in color. Some of the mold types:

Mold, often known as 'black mold,' is a widespread issue in households worldwide, affecting approximately 70% of homes. Flourishing in the damp and concealed corners of our living and working spaces, mold remains largely unseen. Commonly found on surfaces such as ceiling tiles, windows, pipes, cupboards, and carpets, black mold can proliferate rapidly upon settling on moist surfaces, sometimes within a mere day or two. Unfortunately, by the time mold growth becomes noticeable, it often indicates that it has already spread to other areas, presenting a significant challenge. Beyond its unsightly appearance, mold poses health risks to occupants of affected spaces.

When confronted with a mold dilemma, the temptation to resort to do-it-yourself (DIY) methods is understandable. However, attempting to address black mold independently carries considerable risks. DIY efforts may inadvertently expose individuals to toxic microscopic mold spores or overlook hidden mold spores nestled in various nooks and crannies. Moreover, the use of harsh chemicals in DIY attempts can inadvertently damage surrounding areas. Effective mold removal necessitates swift and decisive action, as delayed or amateurish approaches can exacerbate a minor infestation into a more complex issue. For this reason, engaging the services of professional mold remediation experts is crucial.

Q: Is mold toxic?

A: While molds are frequently viewed as toxic, it's important to note that direct contact (touch) with mold typically doesn't directly result in illness. Instead, mold needs to be ingested or inhaled for symptoms of mold toxicity to manifest. As mold proliferates, it releases spores and various chemical substances into the air, including mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can trigger allergies and other adverse reactions in individuals who are sensitive to mold.

‍Q: Is mold in a house dangerous?

A: Yes! When mold is growing in a home, toxic spores are being released, and flow through the vents and air ducts to every room of the home. The spores are then breathed in by the occupants and can cause serious medical problems. Additionally, mold can cause structural damage to homes by consuming organic materials like wood, drywall, and insulation, leading to costly repairs over time. Overall, the presence of mold indoors presents significant health risks and can result in both short-term discomfort and long-term consequences if left unaddressed.

‍Q: Is mold harmful to breathe?

A: Mold is certainly harmful to breathe. For some individuals, mold sensitivity can lead to symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, coughing, and wheezing. Those with allergies to mold or asthma may experience even more intense reactions. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to mold-related infections. According to the CDC, exposure to significant amounts of mold can trigger severe reactions like fever and difficulty breathing. Mold issues pose significant challenges for tenants, homeowners, and property managers alike. Failure to address these issues promptly has led to numerous legal disputes, health concerns, and financial losses.

‍Q: What effects does mold have on people?

A: Depending on the type of spores growing, illnesses ranging from sinus infections and allergies, to neurological illness like Alzheimer’s disease and MS, can result. Illnesses can be very serious and mold toxins in a body are difficult for medical professionals to measure. If you feel sick and the doctors aren’t sure why, getting your home tested for mold is a great idea.

‍Q: Can I use bleach to get rid of mold?

A: NO! This is a common misconception. Bleach will cause the mold spores to lose their color and appear to be gone, however, the spores will not die. They will continue to grow without color, and using a liquid bleach can even increase the speed at which they grow, because of the added moisture and humidity.

‍Q: What causes mold to grow?

A: The individual mold spores are traveling through open air all of the time. When the small amount of spores are breathed outdoors, they are combined with such a large portion of fresh air that they rarely have an effect on you. Sometimes in the spring, the outdoor counts increase and create outdoor allergies. However, when moisture is allowed to dwell on a porous surface inside a building, these few mold spores will attach themselves to that surface and begin to grow at a rapid pace. Once these spores have attached it takes much more than household cleaners to break their strong hold.

‍Q: How do I get rid of mold?

A: There are over-the-counter products like KILZ that will slow the growth of the spores in a signifcant area (we do not recommend this). However, this will only take care of the area asthetically and both the chemicals in the product and the left-over mold can still cause serious health effects. To bring your home down to a healthy level, call us at Pure Maintenance of Kansas. We are a certified remediation company that uses innovative VaPure technology, without the dangerous chemicals or costly demolition to your home.

‍Q: Should I leave my home because of a widespread mold infestation?

A: It depends on how senstive you are to mold. If you notice any of the sympotoms associated with mold infection, contact a doctor immediately to determine the next step to take.