21 Facts About Mold You Need to Know

smasteralabama October 13, 2021

7 min read

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Mold growth is a recurring issue for property owners. While most mold species are harmless, some can cause material and structural property damage. Mold can also be a health hazard and give rise to a variety of allergies and respiratory conditions.

How much do you know about mold? The mold remediation experts at ServiceMaster by Reed have compiled 21 facts about mold everyone needs to know.

1. The most common types of indoor mold are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium.

2. Mold thrives on moisture, growing in damp areas indoors like basements, bathrooms and behind drywall after a water damage incident.

3. Mildew is a powdery, white-gray substance that can appear on the leaves of plants (an early stage of mold).

4. Mildew can easily grow on books, cardboard and fabrics. To reduce the risk of mold development, use water-resistant containers for storing old clothes and other items instead of cardboard boxes.

5. Most of the time, mildew can be brushed off fabrics like clothing and curtains.

6. Mold found in homes typically appears brownish-green, black, greenish-gray and gray.

7. Mold is a fungus propagated by spores, acting as seeds to create new colonies.

8. Some molds can be toxic and cause health problems when their spores are inhaled. People most susceptible to mold-related health issues are those with allergies, asthmatic persons, children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems or existing respiratory ailments. It is important to call a mold remediation professional immediately.

9. Exposure to mold and its spores may cause coughs, headaches, fevers, wheezing and flu-like symptoms. Mold can trigger asthma attacks.

10. Stachybotrys chartarum, also called "toxic mold" or "black mold", appears as a greenish-black spot which grows in an area that has suffered heavy water damage. It requires professional mold remediation.

11. Mold growing on a shower curtain or in tile grout around a tub can be removed by a homeowner. Using bleach to remove mold must only be done in a well-ventilated room. Also, check if bleach etches the affected tile before using it to clean the area surrounding the tub.

12. Adequate ventilation, such as running a fan, can help reduce mold growth. In the bathroom, promote ventilation by opening glass shower doors. Keep shower curtains open to dry completely to prevent mold growth.

13. If a musty odor is observed in the basement, mold may be growing. Check for signs of water damage, such as leaks.

14. If a musty odor is present in your home, it is crucial to find the source of the smell or to locate the mold as soon as possible.

15. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend mold sampling or testing for mold growth in residential homes.

16. Minimize mold growth by keeping indoor humidity levels below 45 percent.

17. High humidity levels in the home indicates the presence of condensation of moisture on walls, windows and other hard surfaces. This increases the possibility of mold growth.

18. Mold can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a water damage incident.

19. Mold can develop in hidden areas, such as on carpet padding, behind drywall, within insulation and even throughout the HVAC system.

20. To reduce the potential for mold growth, add mold-inhibitors to paint before painting.

21. For safe and effective mold removal, contact ServiceMaster by Reed for mold remediation.