Mold FAQ

What is mold?

Molds are microscopic fungi, related to mushrooms and mildew. They are found everywhere. They use enzymes to digest food and reproduce through spores, and are integral in the decomposition of leaves, wood, and other dead plant matter. Mold can grow wherever there is moisture. It can grow on wood, ceilings, wallpaper, paint, carpet, drywall and insulation.

I’ve found mold in my home or business, now what do I do?

Get a professional inspection to determine how extensive your mold problem is. You may be only seeing a fraction of the problem with visible mold. It is very likely that it has spread to other areas such as crawlspaces, attic, inside your walls, under the carpet and wherever moisture can gather.

Can exposure to mold be dangerous?

Mold exposure can cause symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, headaches, congestion, and asthma-like symptoms. Longer exposure can result in life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, skin rashes, depression, joint pain, chronic fatigue. These can be especially problematic for the elderly, infants, and immune-compromised patients.

I can smell mold, but don’t see it. Is this dangerous?

Smelling mold means you are inhaling the mold spores and maybe mycotoxins. These are both dangerous and can cause medical issues. Have your home tested to identify what type of mold is in your air.

How can I tell if I have a mold problem?

Mold appears as small, white, thread-like growths or clusters of small, black dots. Look for these on the walls of your bathroom or basement. Also, smelling a musty odor is often a sign of a mold problem. Mold allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, fatigue, headache, congestion, sniffling, sore throat, itchy eyes, and watery eyes are also a sign of mold problems.

Is it safe for my family to remain in the home?

We do not recommend staying in a home that has mold. Another consideration is, is it safe to remain in your home while the mold is being removed. You should discuss with your mold remediation company and your family doctor.

Should I use a mold test kit to test my home for mold?

Homeowners often use test kits inaccurately, as they are not as reliable as professional testing methods. This can cause unreliable results. Professional testing costs a bit more, but it provides more accurate results you can trust.

Can I kill mold with bleach?

Chlorine bleach will only kill surface mold. It will not eliminate the deep roots mold grows into wood or drywall.  And research actually shows that bleach can cause more toxins to be released and can be more dangerous.

How is the mold removed?

The mold needs to be isolated, then negative pressure must be setup to prevent mold spores from getting into other parts of your home. Porous items that have been infested with mold need to be replaced as well.

How do I prevent mold in the future?

The key is moisture control. Mold needs excessive moisture to grow. Check under sinks for leaks. Check the attic to see if your roof is leaking. If your basement seems humid, use a dehumidifier. Run an exhaust fan in your bathroom while showering and leave the door or window opened a bit. If you have a humidifier built in to your heating system, use a hygrometer to monitor your home’s humidity levels.

What is a mold count?

The mold count tells you the number of spores that are in a standard volume of the air. A mold count tells us the type and severity of the mold infestation. A low count may indicate mold is growing fast enough to not produce spores. A high count may indicate a mold problem. However, a low count does not guarantee you do not have a mold problem.