6 Biggest Myths About Mold You Need to Stop Believing
Molds are a part of our natural environment. They are microscopic living things that break down organic matter. Studies show that more than 50% of homes in the USA have mold problems. About 85% of the commercial buildings in our country have some water damage that leads to molds.
Here are a few popular myths about molds that we should stop believing. Misinformation may lead to ill effects on our health.
Only Black Molds Are Toxic
The term “black molds” doesn’t refer to one specific mold alone. There are more than 20,000 species of molds with this deep dark color. However, it’s usually associated with Stachybotrys chartarum, a dark green species that grows where there’s water damage.
The truth is that any color of mold can be toxic under the right conditions. Mycotoxins are toxic chemical byproducts produced by certain molds (not only dark-colored ones). It’s harmful to humans and animals alike.
Bleach Can Kill Molds
No, bleach CANNOT eradicate molds. In fact, applying bleach can make the situation even worse. After chlorine dissipates, it leaves moisture behind, which the molds can then feed on.
The molds may also recognize the presence of bleach as a “threat.” This may encourage more growth where it wasn’t even present before. Moreover, bleach will not necessarily kill the molds but simply bleach them off their color.
These are some of the reasons why OSHA and the EPA have specifically advised against the use of bleach for mold remediation.
Black Molds are Lethal
When people use the term “black molds,” they usually refer to a type called Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum or Stachybotrys atra). The reputation of this mold started when 39 infants from eastern Cleveland suffered from bleeding lungs in the early 1990s. They found that the 10 infants who passed away lived in homes that had been recently flooded and were water damaged.
Scientists then declared that the molds were the most probable cause of lung bleeding. However, there was no known evidence of its cause and effect. Researchers have since questioned that conclusion. As of this time, there is no viable proof that molds (even the so-called “black molds”) can cause death.
Small Colonies Of Molds Are Fine
Most people think that a “small” mold problem wouldn’t hurt anyone. The truth is, when you see a cluster of visible molds, that can mean that there must be a bigger colony somewhere behind it.
Even in colonies, some molds are lightly colored, making them even harder to detect visually. The best way to determine mold presence in the home is to have it professionally tested.
No Odor, No Problem
Some people believe that since they can’t smell anything odd, the air they breathe is safe. Mycotoxins can be as small as 0.1 microns.
For reference, mold spores are between 1 and 20 microns. Because these are fine particles, they can easily be inhaled and go straight into our lungs. Our senses can fail us when it comes to microscopic organisms such as molds.
A Clean House Won’t Have Mold Problems
Moisture is the key to mold growth. Regardless of how clean a house is, with the right conditions, molds will thrive. In fact, cleaning too often with water or bleach, especially on porous materials, can encourage molds because it leaves moisture behind.
What’s The Truth?
The truth is that molds are present everywhere. It can affect the health of children and infants, the elderly, the immunocompromised, and those with respiratory illnesses, including those with allergies. Yet, even if it doesn’t affect your health, it still must be remediated because it can compromise the integrity of your house.
The best way to deal with it is to have mold testing. Once sampling is completed and results have identified if molds affect your air quality, the remediation process may commence.
Certified IAQ Pros are reliable ACAC certified Certified Microbial Investigator (CMI). We are efficient and experienced in what we do. For your peace of mind, you’ll need our expertise in ensuring safe indoor air quality for you and your loved ones.
Call us today at 303-995-7015 for Mold Testing and Remediation Services. We’ll make sure that your safety is our priority.