5 min read
There’s so much we know about mold that we’ve heard from hearsay – some statements are backed with scientific evidence, others from pure conjecture. Unfortunately, common mold misconceptions are still prevalent, and some of them can lead to mistakes that can be harmful to your health.
Knowledge is an advantage when combating mold. Once you dispel the myths, you’ll know the best ways to prevent mold and how to deal with it if it makes its way to your property.
Below, we’ll delve into five myths about mold and the truth behind each of them.
Common Mold Misconceptions You Need to Know
-
Mold can kill you
Mold can be dangerous as it releases mycotoxins, which can cause adverse health effects such as sneezing, skin irritation, aggravated asthma symptoms, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Some mycotoxins can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal disturbances if ingested.
However, just being in a room with mold present won’t kill you.
Nevertheless, physicians warn that people with mold allergies and weak immune systems are still susceptible to the known symptoms of mold exposure. Therefore, it would be safer to keep vulnerable individuals from entering mold-infested rooms and immediately call mold remediation experts.
-
If the mold is not black, it’s not that dangerous
People continue to be rightfully wary of black mold. However, it also led many to assume that other types of mold are less dangerous.
The truth is that mold can cause illness regardless of color or type. The symptoms of black mold exposure are the same as exposure to thousands of other mold and fungi species that can grow in a water-damaged building. Regardless of the type of mold, as soon as you discover substantial microbial growth in your property, contact a company specializing in mold remediation in San Antonio North immediately.
-
Bleach is a safe and effective mold killer
Household bleach is a go-to cleaning agent in households. Unfortunately, it’s not very effective at killing mold spores and certain types of fungi.
Washing microbial growth with bleach can worsen the problem because it aggravates and triggers mold to release spores. Additionally, bleach cannot reach the tiniest crevices of porous surfaces like wood and foam insulation. While it can wash away surface mold, it cannot get to the root of the problem.
Bleach isn’t the safest cleaning solution for mold cleanup. Although chlorine in bleach is diluted, you can still feel its potency. For example, if you use bleach in an enclosed bathroom, you’ll notice that your eyes will soon feel sensitive, even a little painful. This is why bleach products always warn users to ventilate a room when cleaning.
-
You can eliminate mold completely from your home
This is false. Mold spores exist everywhere, and it is nearly impossible to eliminate them 100%. Spores are invisible to the naked eye. They are so light that they float and can ride a strong breeze. They also cling to clothes, shoes, animal fur, and any object they come into contact with. Even if you have high-tech air purifiers with HEPA filters, mold spores can still find their way inside your home.
The good news is that spores only become a problem when they land in an area where the conditions are perfect for microbial growth: damp, warm, and with a nearby food source. The best way to prevent mold in your home is not to eliminate spores but to ensure that no area in your house is conducive to microbial growth.
-
DIY mold removal is easy
Removing mold is easy if it’s a tiny speck on a smooth, non-porous surface. Wipe it off with a mold-killing solution and disinfect the area – done. However, if the growth is extensive to the point that you can smell it, it’s a job best left to experts.
Specialists wear protective gear that covers them from head to toe. They use tools and equipment like heavy-duty tarps, fans, sprayers, and wet-dry vacuums with HEPA filters, and they master mold removal techniques to prevent spore dispersion. So unless a professional is present to supervise, DIY mold removal that doesn’t utilize HEPA-certified equipment or techniques may not produce satisfactory results.
Call Our Trustworthy Specialists For Mold Remediation in San Antonio North
Understanding the true nature of household mold and knowing the facts versus fallacies are the keys to keeping your home mold-free. But if mold still appears despite your best efforts, don’t worry. Our experienced mold remediation technicians are just a phone call away.
Restoration 1 is the go-to company for mold remediation in San Antonio North. We are available 24/7 and respond to emergency calls at any time. Every team member is trained and certified, and we invest in the industry’s best mold removal products and equipment. So when you call us, you’ll have the most qualified professionals in San Antonio North working to make your home mold-free again.
Call us at (210) 405-1198 or fill out a contact form to request a quote and schedule a visit.
