Mold: Fact vs. Fiction (Part I)

Mold is one of the most common problems that homeowners face. It develops quickly, growing as fast as 24 to 48 hours within the home when water or moisture is present (which is why it’s a common problem following a water loss and in moisture-prone areas of the home like crawlspaces and basements).

But despite everything that is known about mold, there are still a lot of misconceptions. Here’s a look at some facts and some myths about mold and mold remediation:

Fact: There are far too many species of mold and fungi to identify.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that there are anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of mold and fungi species – far too many to identify. However, some of the most common found in homes are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus.

Fiction: Mold is always visible.

Many think that just because they can’t see it, it’s not there. Seeing isn’t believing when it comes to mold, as not all types of mold are visible. Therefore, it’s best to rely on smell to detect mold. If you smell a musty odor, there’s likely mold present.

Fact: Mold can lead to health complications.

Although not everyone is affected when exposed to mold, all molds have the potential to cause illness or distress, especially among people who already have respiratory issues. Common symptoms associated with mold exposure include coughing, watery eyes, congestion, headaches and even memory loss and dizziness. Most recently, researchers at Rutgers University have discovered that mold exposure can lead to Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms.

Fiction: Once mold is remediated, it won’t come back.

The only way to completely eliminate mold from returning is to solve the moisture or water problem that caused the mold to grow in the first place.

As you can see, mold is a serious, often misunderstood problem that can grow even more problematic if it isn’t taken care of properly. That’s why PuroClean franchisees follow the IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation and are trained to remediate mold using the latest, most effective techniques. For more information, contact PuroClean today.