Mold

Mold exists in every household, no matter how spotless you keep it. It’s a natural part of the air in any home. Mold becomes a problem if it is allowed to grow and spread unchecked, which can lead to respiratory problems in those with suppressed immune systems, who suffer froms allergies or have asthma. Severe indoor mold infestations can also affect otherwise healthy people. Once you have located the mold, you can assess the seriousness of the problem.

Mold spores enter your home through openings such as doors and windows. The spores also can be carried in on your clothing, or in the fur of your pets. Because mold thrives on moisture, these spores will grow into mold if they land on a spot that is constantly damp. Mold is particularly prevalent anywhere water leakage occurs such as areas surrounding pipes, roof or wall leaks and potted plants. Mold feeds on paper, cardboard, carpets, drywall, fabric (including upholstery) and anything made of wood. Taking nutrients from these materials allows the mold to grow and spread.

Types

There are several types of household mold: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Stachybotrys chartarum, which is often referred to as black or toxic mold. “Black mold” and “toxic mold” are both misleading terms. Stachybotrys chartarum is often more greenish than black, and household mold is not, in and of itself, poisonous to human beings. Large accumulations of mold become a problem because of the mycotoxins that they produce. These mycotoxins have been linked to upper respiratory problems, and also linked to pulmonary hemorrhage, according to the media. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no causal link between any type of household mold and pulmonary hemorrhage has been proven.

Appearance

Household mold can appear as a discoloration on your ceiling, wall or floor. It can be any color including black, blue, orange, red, violet, white or yellow. Not all discoloration is mold, because smoke from cigarettes or cooking as well as oils, grease, dust and pollutants from outside can all cause discolored patches. Put a few drops of bleach on a discolored spot to see if it is mold. If the discoloration changes color or vanishes entirely, it might be mold. Don’t panic if you see black mold, because many harmless types of mold are black. The only time to be concerned is if the area is extremely large and the mold is greenish-black.

Odor

Mold has a particular musty, earthy smell. If you smell something not quite right near an area that is prone to dampness and constant moisture, you may be smelling mold. Mold feeds on both wood and drywall, so if you smell a strong, musty odor but don’t see any discoloration, the problem may be inside of your wall. Check for leaks both inside and outside of the wall to help you track down the source of the smell. Once you know how much mold you’re dealing with, you can decide whether it can be removed with a thorough cleaning, or if you have to remove and replace the drywall.

Amount

A small amount of mold is normal, especially if you live in a very humid or rainy climate. No more than three patches of mold covering an area of about 3 square feet each is considered normal. An area of mold that is larger than a sheet of plywood, or about 4-feet by 8 feet, is cause for concern. Either way, you will need to stop the mold from spreading by physically removing it. Locating and stopping any leaks will also help keep the mold from spreading, and should also keep it from returning.

Solution

Cleaning a small mold problem is not difficult, but you do need to wear a dust mask and rubber gloves. Scrub the area with dishwashing liquid and hot water, then dry it thoroughly. Do not use undiluted bleach to clean mold as the fumes can be irritating. Mix a little bit of baking soda with dishwashing soap if you need a mild abrasive to help remove the mold. Exact measurements aren’t necessary, you just want a paste thick enough not to drip, but thin enough to rinse off easily. Unscented dish soap is best as it will not mask the odor of the mold, helping you to find and remove it all. Keep checking the area during the next few days. If the mold comes back, it means you haven’t located the source of the moisture causing it. You may also have to remove and replace damaged drywall once the mold has been cleaned up, so don’t forget to wear your protective gear when you do so.