Mold is a fungus and a general term that includes a wide array of species of mold that live both indoor and outdoor. Different varieties for indoor molds include Cladosporium, penicillium, aspergillus, and Stachybotrys chartarum. Besides black mold, indoor mold color ranges from white to white-green, gray-green, and shades of brown. However, homeowners are still concerned about this particular color of mold—is white mold dangerous? Is it a toxic mold?
Different types of white mold still present a health risk and should be dealt with promptly. Please continue reading to learn more about white mold.
Causes of White Mold
The cause of white mold is similar to other types of mold. Mold needs these things to thrive and survive – an environment with high moisture levels and a food source. Oftentimes, the moisture is caused by leaks or poorly ventilated spaces. In addition, common food sources for mold include wood, carpeting, drywall, and other organic materials.
The Appearance of White Mold
White molds are difficult to detect when they are first developing because the mold spores are extremely tiny. They will appear as white spots on some surfaces once the colonies are formed. White mold spots can appear powdery and filmy in nature. They can be very similar to mildew at first, but white mold is more harmful because it can grow within organic materials and not just on surfaces.
White Mold or Efflorescence
White mold and efflorescence look so similar that people often mistake one for the other. Both are white and found on walls and other building materials. Efflorescence is a salt deposit mostly found on bricks and concrete. When water evaporates from concrete or brick, it leaves behind a salty residue on the material’s surface, which is efflorescence.
However, this only causes aesthetic damage and it’s not a threat to the structural safety of your home. In addition, efflorescence doesn’t pose any risk to your health.
Most Prevalent Areas of Your Home for White Mold
Here are some of the most common places where we can find white mold:
- basements
- attics
- crawl spaces
- on carpets
- wood and furniture
- on plants and plant soil
- in your car
- on clothing
Is White Mold Dangerous?
White mold health risks are highly dependent on the individual because some people may have allergic reactions to the spores. Others may never have any health effects.
However, most white molds tend to be allergenic or pathogenic. When you inhale white mold spores for a long period of time, it can cause mold-induced asthma, allergic sinusitis, bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and pneumonitis. So, is white mold dangerous? the answer is YES! That is why it is important to consult a physician if symptoms worsen.
Moreover, always consult qualified professionals to get the mold removed especially in affected areas safely and effectively.
Prevent and Remove White Mold
The following are some tips to prevent mold from recurring n your home:
- Keep humidity levels at the normal range.
- Increase ventilation in your home.
- Use (as much as possible) cleaners that are non-toxic, water-based, and non-aerosol.
- Dry wet areas and regularly clean surfaces.
- Find and repair leaks.
- Keep indoor plants to improve the indoor air quality of your home.
While some types of mold can be killed and removed with household products such as bleach or vinegar, white mold is more difficult and not safe to remove on your own.
Do-it-yourself mold removal can put you at risk of spreading the contamination and exposing yourself to toxic mold, which can lead to more serious health effects.
Whatever you do, don’t allow mold to grow in your house for a long time. Prevent mold from growing in your home and contact a mold removal expert.
Professional Mold Remediation by Superior Restoration
When water damage occurs, one of the negative consequences is the growth of mold and mildew. White mold, in particular, can spread quickly in environments with high humidity and a food source. But is white mold dangerous? Regardless of the mold’s color, it poses risks to both your home and your health. Unless the mold issue in your home is minor, it is necessary to enlist the help of a professional mold remediation service.
If you are dealing with a mold problem, contact us today! We are Water Damage Irvine, and we also provide emergency water damage restoration services. Our team is available around the clock, seven days a week.
