Mold can be a real problem in your home or apartment. At best it is annoying, foul smelling, and damages property, at worst it can have terrible health impacts on you and your family. That is why mold should be found, identified, and dealt with quickly to avoid damage and disease. Always check for mold in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and areas where water gathers in your home. If you find mold, it is recommended that you have it tested before you attempt to remove it for your health. Many mold varieties can be cleaned by homeowners and do not require professional mold removal. However, some molds need to be dealt with professionally.
Dangerous Molds
Acremonium and Stachybotrys (black mold) are examples of molds that need to be handled professionally. Acremonium is a carcinogen that can lead to bone marrow disease as well as the immune system and organ failure. Acremonium tends to grow inside water humidifiers, drain pans and window sealants. It is often pink, grey, white or orange in color and turns into a powdery substance. Stachybotrys is often dark green or black in color. It is most dangerous to children and can cause neurological problems. It can cause severe allergic reactions in adults because of it's negative effect on air quality. Both Acremonium and Stachybotrys need to be remediated professionally.
Allergen Molds that Need To Be Dealt With Quickly
Many mold varieties are not as dangerous as Acremonium and Stachybotrys. However, they are still allergens and cause symptoms similar to allergy-related outbreaks. Alternaria is the most common form of allergenic mold in America. It is commonly found in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens where there is leaking water. It causes similar symptoms to asthma. Aspergillus is another common mold that forms in the home. Most varieties cause temporary allergen-like symptoms, however, Aspergillus can develop and release aflatoxins which are carcinogenic.
Manageable Mold Varieties
Most mold varieties that are common in homes throughout America are actually very manageable. If you can identify that the mold is non-threatening, you can remove the mold yourself. Aureobasidium is a common mold that is a pinkish brown color that gets browned with age. It can cause eye infection and a rash but poses no long-term health dangers. Most molds should not be touched by the skin when cleaning and removing.
Get Mold Professionally Tested
You should never have to pay for mold removal or remediation if you don't need it. Hire a professional tester that does not offer mold remediation to identify your mold. An unbiased tester will tell you if you can remove the mold on your own safety or if you will need mold remediation services from a third party. If you live in New England, contact DCM Envrionmental testing to properly test your mold.
