What Is Mold?

We hear about mold all the time and know it is bad for our health. We may even know what it looks like or have come across it before. But do we have a good understanding of what it is? At BioClean, we sure do! Our mold experts have been working with all types of mold for decades, and we can help you understand exactly what you’re dealing with.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus consisting of small organisms that can be found almost everywhere. It can appear in a variety of colors. When there is a large amount of mold, it can often appear black, blue or green. The color of mold is determined by the type of organisms within it and is influenced by the nutrient source, surface substrate and the age of the colony. There are hundreds of types of mold, found both indoors and outdoors. Mold most commonly grows in dimly-lit, damp areas. Some molds contribute to disease or spoilage of foods, while others play a part in biodegradation or the production of numerous foods, beverages, antibiotics and enzymes. What is most interesting about mold is that some types can be medically beneficial — such as the type used to make penicillin, a life-saving antibiotic — while other types of mold can be harmful to our health.

How Mold Appears In Your Home

We are actually exposed to mold every day, although small amounts of it are usually harmless. Thriving on moisture, mold reproduces by means of tiny, lightweight spores traveling through the air. When the spores land in a damp spot in your home, that is when mold can start to grow. One mold spore is too small to see with the naked eye; therefore, if you are able to see mold in your home, then it probably has been growing there for some time. As mold begins to grow on a surface, spores can be released into the air and potentially inhaled by you, your family and your pets. If you are sensitive to mold, inhaling large amounts of spores could possibly lead to serious health problems. 

How Does Mold Grow?

In order for mold to grow, moisture is required. Moisture can be caused by routines such as washing and cooking, and from normal household occurrences like condensation or leaks from plumbing, or even from the outside of your home. If your home has poor ventilation, that could be a contributing factor to higher humidity levels, leading to condensation and the possibility of mold growth. If mold is allowed to grow in homes or offices, the indoor air quality can be seriously compromised. 

How To Identify Mold

The first step in getting rid of mold is to identify where it is growing. Mold often appears as a discoloration on surfaces and can be found in both visible and hidden areas. To find mold, look for any patches of discoloration on walls, ceilings or floors; check under sinks and around plumbing fixtures; look behind wallpaper or fabric; and check inside attics, crawl spaces and basements. 

Contact BioClean for A Free Mold Inspection

If you are unsure if what you are seeing or smelling is mold, contact us today and we can come out for a free mold inspection. Our trained professionals will be able to easily identify mold growth in your home or commercial property. We are committed to safety and satisfaction and will get your mold inspection and potential mold removal job done right!