Mold and Ways to Avoid It

A little known fact about mold is that it is everywhere, even the air we breathe. Mold is a form of fungus that grows everywhere in the world, of which uncountable quantities of species and colors exist. Despite the fact that most molds are harmless and come in pretty colors, there are some to be sure to steer clear from. A prime example of dangerous mold is toxic black mold, which anyone would be afraid of dwelling in their houses. Black mold is a highly toxic mold which many people are allergic to, not to mention the health complications the mold brings on its own.

Mold is a very sneaky fungus which can invade your home from outside, or leaky plumbing, or even condensation due to high humidity. Mold loves to grow where there is a lot of moisture in the air or even where there is water in general.

While at first glance mold may not seem like something to write home about, it is an ugly force to be reckoned with. Molds can cause very nasty health problems, and can ruin furniture, clothing, and food. If any of these are plagued with mold, it will take rigorous scrubbing and sterilization before they can be used again, if it’s a good idea to use them again at all. Some items are best just thrown away, like the aforementioned food and clothing. If one discovers a mold infestation, one should remove the mold through any means necessary, including cleaning kits, or different testing. If neither of these works, it is highly recommended to call in a professional to evict the mold from your home, because no one wants something living in their home that doesn’t pay rent.

Some should worry about mold more than others. Small children, elderly people, and basically anyone who is afflicted with a respiratory condition should be cautious. Anyone whose immune system is weakened, pregnant women, anyone freshly out of surgery, or chemotherapy patients are also at high risk.

It is actually easy for one to prevent mold from tormenting your living environment, as long as you make sure to be consistent with home cleaning habits. It is important to make sure that your home is fairly dry and cool, with as little moisture as possible. The most popular hang-out spots for mold are the basement and the attic, which like to attract humidity. Any spill that occurs in a bathroom or kitchen should be cleaned up quickly, but thoroughly. Do not allow standing water in any place in the home, or it will become a hotbed for bacterial infection which leads to mold. It is also important to draw heat and moisture away from your home with fans, and a good ventilation system.


Jim Corkern is a writer and promoter of quality
water damage restoration companies and
Dallas Residential Water Damage Restoration Contractors.