Category: Mold Experiments

5 Facts You Should Know About Mold

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facts you should know about mold

The term “mold” might have been thrown around your home a few times. But most likely, if you have never directly dealt with it, you may not know that much about it. Where and how does it grow? What does it look like? Does it have any adverse health effects? The team at RestoPros has answers to all these questions with this helpful list of essential facts you should know about mold!

1. It Can Have an Effect on Your Health

Can mold have adverse health effects? The answer is; it depends. If you or someone in your family is susceptible to allergies or has asthma, chances are prolonged exposure to actively growing mold can have a negative impact on your health.

21 percent of the current asthma cases in the United States can be attributed to dampness and mold spores in the home. If you have asthma, mold exposure could possibly worsen it. Inhaling these spores can produce more mucus and even cause the lungs to constrict. This can lead to wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.  To prevent mold spores from triggering your asthma, you will have to limit your exposure to mold by maintaining the humidity in your home and ensuring proper ventilation.

Similarly, inhaling allergens like mold spores can also lead to sinusitis or sinus infections and another condition called mold-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In order to prevent these reactions, it’s important to do saline rinses to keep sinuses clean, thoroughly clean out ventilation systems and to stay hydrated.

2. You Can Find Mold Anywhere

This might sound a little confusing, so we will clarify. Yes, mold is everywhere as mold spores are always present in our outdoor and indoor environments. Even if you show allergy symptoms to mold, a small mold count is not a problem. It IS a problem, when there is excessive moisture build up and mold begins to actively grow because of this. Therefore, it is important that moisture and humidity is well-controlled to prevent mold from starting to infest your home.

3. You Can Prevent Mold by Controlling Moisture

This is one of the most important facts you should know about mold. As we mentioned before, while mold is a problem, it can be controlled and prevented. The best way to prevent mold is by controlling the moisture and humidity in your home. Here are some ways you can do this:

  • Use a dehumidifier and maintain your home’s humidity between 30 and 50 percent.
  • Use exhaust fans
  • Your AC plays a big role in maintaining the humidity of your home as well. Make sure its air filter is clean and free of dirt and debris. 
  • Don’t let moisture linger after you’re done using the shower. Take a minute to squeegee the walls of your bathroom to remove moisture
  • Make sure your home is leak-free
  • Wipe around your kitchen and bathroom sinks when you’re done using them

4. Let the Pros Handle Mold Removal

If you think you might have actively growing mold in your home, your first thought might be to save some money and handle it yourself using a store-bought mold test kit. However, that’s not a good idea as mold test kits aren’t always reliable. By handling mold removal yourself, especially if it’s a considerably affected area, you will probably do more harm than good. In addition, there are regulations that require that you must be licensed to perform mold-related activities such as assessment and remediation. It is best to contact a professional who has the right knowledge and experience to safely deduce the mold problem in your home.

5. You Cannot Paint Over Mold

Painting or caulking over mold is not the solution to removing or preventing mold. The mold will continue to grow under the paint and the paint will simply peel. It’s best to remove the mold before you do any painting.

RestoPros: DFW’s Mold Removal Experts!

Now that you’re aware of these facts you will be better prepared to prevent a mold infestation. If you think you have a mold problem, get in touch with the experts at RestoPros. Our trustworthy and experienced team of professionals performs water damage restoration, mold testing and mold remediation in the Dallas-Forth Worth area. Call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!

Mold vs. Mildew: Spotting the Difference

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Exposure to dampness or mold is the estimated cause of a quarter of all asthma cases in the United States. Even for non-asthmatic homeowners, living with a mold or mildew problem can pose serious health threats. Answering the mold vs. mildew question starts with learning what to look for. The experts at RestoPros are here to share our advice on how to spot the difference.

Mold vs. Mildew: Similarities

  • Environments

-Both mold and mildew are types of fungi that flourish in moist, humid conditions with scarce light.

-Both mold and mildew grow when spores or seeds find their way into environments that are conducive to colony growth.

  •  Affected Hosts

-Neither mold nor mildew can grow on synthetic materials such as plastic and metal-based products.

  •  Odors and Physical Symptoms

-Both mold and mildew produce a similar musty odor.

-Both mold and mildew can cause similar physical symptoms to humans who are exposed.

Mold vs. Mildew: Differences

  • Appearance

-Mildew can be downy or powdery. Downy mildew starts as yellow spots that become brighter and then turn brown in color. Powdery mildew is whitish in color and slowly turns yellowish brown and then black.

-Mold is black, yellow, or green with a fuzzy or slimy texture. Severe mold growth looks like moss and can cause rot in its effected host.

  •  Growth Patterns

-Mildew is a type of mold that has flat growth patterns. Unlike mold, mildew remains on the surface of its host where is can be easily removed. Mildew is drawn to moisture and grows on damp surfaces like your kitchen, bathroom, and basement. You can find mildew growth in toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and on bathroom walls.

-Mold is a fungus that grows in patches which penetrate beneath the surface of its host. Mold grows on living sources, including food, drywall, paper, and wood. Mold can often grow on your ceilings, window sills, and walls.

  • Effects on the Host

 –Mildew can harm the food or plants upon which it grows, but usually does not cause any lasting damage to other surfaces such as tile floors or bathroom mirrors.

 –Mold can damage entire structures because it penetrates beneath the surface of its host.

  • Effects on Exposed Humans

 –Mildew can cause similar allergic reactions to those caused by mold, such as coughing, sneezing, headache, sore throat, and respiratory problems. However, mildew is much easier to eliminate because it remains on the surface of its host.

 –Mold can pose a serious threat to your health. It can trigger sinus problems, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, sore throat, migraines, itching, rashes, fatigue, and even depression. Mold is difficult to remove because it penetrates below the surface of its host.

 

So, now you know some signs to look for when answering your mold vs. mildew question, but what should you do about your problem? Contact the experts at RestoPros for immediate mold testing and remediation today!

 

5 Myths About Mold in Your Home

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myths about mold

No one wants to see mold growing in their home. Mold is unsightly. It can damage your foundation, and it can wreak havoc on the health of your household. But for all the negative effects of mold, there are several exaggerated and even completely false beliefs that should be pointed out. The professionals at RestoPros, the most trusted mold remediation company in Dallas, have collected five of the most common myths about residential mold.

Read the facts below and educate yourself before attempting to clean or diagnose a mold outbreak in your home.

Myth 1. Black Mold Is Deadly

There are over 20,000 different species of “black mold,” which is technically not even a scientific term. Black is simply the color of certain strains – and one of the least common colors of fungal growth. Stachybotrys, which is considered to be the most toxic strain of mold, can be any color depending on the surroundings. In most cases this toxic mold is a greenish-black color, but attempting to identify it by the color is futile. Aside from testing the mold directly, the only sure test for the toxicity of a mold in your home is a direct allergic reaction.

Myth 2. Bleach Kills All Mold

Bleach is the go-to product many people use to clean a mold outbreak. While it works well enough to “clean” mold off of a non-porous surface, bleach can irritate the skin and the fumes are dangerous if inhaled. Bleach is also not an ideal cleaner for porous surfaces – and can exacerbate the situation by seeping into wood, plasterboard, wall paper and other materials. Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar are both preferred mold cleaners for mold growth on both porous and non-porous surfaces.

Myth 3. Mold Will Make You Sick

This is partly true, but not all mold will make you sick. In most cases, the person is suffering from an allergic reaction to the mold. The “toxic mold” mentioned above, which is rare, can cause all sorts of respiratory problems, chronic fatigue, eye irritation and rashes among other symptoms. Toxic mold can make you sick, while most common mold outbreaks are more likely to trigger allergy symptoms. Mold allergies can include sneezing, itching, running nose and throat irritation; basic allergy symptoms generally associated with seasonal allergies.

Myth 4. A Small Amount of Mold Is Not A Problem

If you notice mold anywhere in your home, you need to clean it immediately. Even a small amount can do damage to the surface area and will continue to spread. Sometimes mold will grow in an area that was left damp (usually places in the kitchen or bathroom). But mold on the ceiling or a wall might indicate a separate problem that also needs to be dealt with. Roof and plumbing leaks are major causes of mold – and until they are fixed, the growth with only return if cleaned.

Myth 5. Mold Remediation Is a DIY Project

If you are experiencing a serous mold outbreak, do not attempt to clean and eradicate the growth on your own. Mold that is the result of serious flooding or a major leak needs the attention of a professional remediation company. Mold can be an insidious intruder. It can ruin homes and greatly compromise the health and happiness of a household. Never attempt a DIY fix when dealing with a mold infestation. Trained experts can offer a full assessment (including diagnosing the root of the problem) and will have the latest equipment to deal with the growth. Experienced mold remediation technicians can also help file insurance claims to help cover the cost of the damages.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of these common “mold myths,” you can be better prepared to deal with an infestation. While the mere sight of mold in your home should not be cause for alarm, it is important that it is dealt with right away. If you discover widespread growth, do not hesitate to call the professionals at RestoPros. We can send someone out to assess the problem and offer solutions for all aspects of the problem. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

Mold Experiments for Kids

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If you have recently experienced a mold problem in your home, you know how difficult it can be to contain and eradicate the problem. Depending on the infestation, you may have had to leave the home for remediation (which can sometimes take several days). Did the mold affect the health of people in the household? Even those who are not allergic to mold can experience health problems associated with strains that produce mycotoxins that are toxic to both humans and animals.

If children were in the home during the infestation, it’s important to educate them on the causes of the mold and the many ways to keep it from developing in the future. Mold education is key in keeping everyone safe from potential outbreaks and related health problems. A good way to begin the conversation is to perform fun, safe mold experiments with the kids. One of our favorite experiments is also one of the easiest to coordinate.

So gather ‘round the kids for an engaging experiment called: HOW DOES MOLD GROW?

Definition: Mold, in the simplest of terms, is a type of fungus (spore-producing organisms that feed on organic matter). It grows through spores, which survive and thrive in environments that are often warm, dark and moist. The spores feed on dead plant or animal material, but can grow on food, walls and anywhere that provides a food source, oxygen and a temperature between 40 – 100 degrees.

Experiment Tools:

  • 4 Clear Sandwich Bags (with zip closures)
  • 1 Cup of Water
  • 1 Slice of Bread
  • 1 Piece of Fruit (Apple, Banana or Strawberry)
  • 1 Piece of (real) Cheese
  • 1 Small Snack Cake (like a Twinkie)
  • Tablets for Notes

Experiment:

  • Put each food item into one of the sandwich bags
  • Lightly sprinkle each piece of food with water
  • Seal each bag tightly
  • Collect the bags and place each in a dark cabinet
  • Make sure that cabinet is at room temperature
  • Leave the bags in the cabinet for two days (without disturbing them)
  • After taking the bags out of the cabinet, what is the result?
  • Do any of the food items contain a slight fuzz?
  • What color is the fuzz? Does it differ on each item?
  • Put the bags back into the cabinet for another two days
  • Continue this procedure for 10 days
  • On day 10 what is the result?
  • Do all four food items exhibit mold growth?
  • Did one item not contain mold? Which one?
  • After making your observations, throw all the bags away unopened

Talking Points:

  • The moisture, the darkness and the room temperature were all ideal conditions for mold to grow on the food items.
  • Mold spores are always in the air – and different spores are attracted to different kinds of food. This is why the mold growth on each food item was a different color/texture.
  • Which food item did not grow mold? The snack cake is made with preservatives that kill the mold before it has a chance to grow.
  • Try the experiment again, but this time place the four food items in different locations where the temperature and light vary. Place one near a window, one in the fridge, etc. Make notes on the progression of the mold and how the growth varies from the original experiment – and how the growth varies from item to item.

More Mold Experiments

Educating your kids on the science behind mold can be both fun and informative. It is especially helpful if your household has recently had to deal with a mold infestation and lengthy clean-up/remediation. If you are dealing with a mold issue and need an assessment or help with remediation, give us a call today at 855-587-3786!

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