FAQs

Mold needs moisture to grow. Indoors, mold can be found anywhere humidity levels are high, such as in basements, showers, and bathrooms. 

Mold produces microscopic cells called “spores” that are easily spread through the air. Spores can also be spread by water and insects. Live spores act like seeds, forming new colonies whenever they find the right conditions. Many people researching FAQs about how mold spreads wonder if it’s something they have done that causes mold growth. Living in overly humid environments or keeping your indoor conditions more moist than normal could contribute to mold spreading.

Unfortunately, mold only needs a few things to grow and multiply.

• Nutrients (food)
• Habitable locations 
• Moisture

Many building materials such as wood and sheetrock provide food that supports mold growth. Even dust that has settled on these materials or furniture can be a food source for mold. Additionally, mold can grow almost anywhere there is enough moisture or humidity. That’s why buildings in states like Florida are particularly susceptible to mold growth. Controlling moisture is the key to stopping indoor mold growth, but this can be a challenge without proper guidance from a Florida mold expert. 

Yes and no. Mold in the home always exists in the form of spores and pieces of mold cells. The presence of some mold in the air is normal and is nothing to worry about. With that being said, it’s important to not let mold grow and multiply indoors. This increases your level of exposure and can heighten your risk of developing potential health problems. 

Excessive mold growth can damage building materials, household goods, and furnishings if it is left untreated for too long. Mold needs to eat to survive, and it’s perfectly happy eating your home if you allow it. One of the most frequently asked questions about mold is how to treat it. That’s where mold remediation services like the ones provided at YES come in.

There are four main types of health conditions that may come from exposure to mold: allergic illness, irritant effects, infection, and toxic effects. For people who are sensitive to mold, symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, a dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or a burning sensation, watery eyes, or reddened eyes may occur.

People with severe allergies to mold may experience more serious reactions, as could those with chronic illnesses and compromised immune systems. The toxic effects of mold are not well understood, and are often a topic of controversy within the medical and scientific communities. While most people will not experience severe health conditions as a result of mild mold exposure in the home, it is still necessary to work with a qualified mold remediation specialist if you suspect the presence of mold in or around your premises. 

A common FAQ about mold is how to determine its presence. Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling from a mold remediation specialist may not be necessary. Currently, no health or exposure-based standards exist to evaluate a mold sampling result. The Florida Department of Health does not recommend mold testing or sampling to see if you have a mold problem, or to see what kind of mold may be growing. Sampling for mold in the air can be expensive and is a job best left to experienced professionals like certified mold remediators. 

This question about mold remediation comes up a lot. The first thing to remember is that you should investigate, not test. Here are some tips for at-home mold investigation:

• Look for visible mold growth. Mold often looks cottony, velvety, rough, or leathery. It may have different colors (white, gray, brown, black, yellow or green). Mold may appear as a staining or a fuzzy growth on furniture or building materials (walls, ceilings, or anything made of wood or paper). Also look for signs of moisture or water damage (i.e., water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation, etc.) as these could indicate a mold problem.
• Check around air handling units (air conditioners, furnaces, etc.) for standing water. Routinely inspect the evaporator coils, liner surfaces, drain pans, and drain lines. 
• Search areas where you notice mold odors. If you can smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem.
• If people with an allergy to mold report some of the symptoms listed above, you may have a mold problem.

Mold is virtually everywhere, floating in the air and on all surfaces. People are exposed to types of mold 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Exposure increases when indoor moldy materials get dried out, damaged, or disturbed. This causes mold cells and spores to be released into the air, which eventually gets inhaled. When researching FAQs about mold remediation, the question should not be how to avoid total exposure to mold but rather how to prevent it from harming your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

That depends on the situation, the person, and the circumstances. It’s like asking how much sun will cause a sunburn; the amount varies from person to person. Regardless of the amount, the long-term presence of indoor mold may become unhealthy for anyone. Those with certain health conditions are advised to consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is being  compromised by indoor mold. The following populations may be affected more than others:

• Babies and children
• Elderly individuals
• Individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, allergies, or asthma
• People with weakened immune systems (i.e., those with HIV or AIDS, chemotherapy patients, or organ transplant recipients).

Some types of mold can produce “mycotoxins,” which are referred to as “toxic mold.” There are very few reports that “toxic mold” inside the home causes rare health conditions, but it is possible. Important to note, however, is that if you think you have a mold problem in your home, you do not need to know what type of mold you have. 

It’s a common misconception and an FAQ about mold remediation that people think they need to know the mold type to get rid of it. All types of mold should be treated the same way when it comes to health risks and mold removal. All indoor mold growth should be removed promptly, regardless of the type or whether or not it can produce mycotoxins.

Eliminate the source of moisture and you’ll stop mold growth. Without water, mold growth cannot start, much less multiply and spread. The easiest way to prevent mold growth indoors is to control dampness. Keep your home clean and dry. Standing water, even if it is only present for 24 hours, can generate mold growth. Aim to keep humidity levels below 60% and install a venting system from showering and cooking units that leads to the outside. These FAQs about mold remediation are useful for anyone who suspects mold in their home. For more information on mold remediation or to speak with a local Florida mold specialist, contact us today!