You don’t give mold much thought. When you do, it’s probably because the stuff suddenly shows up under a sink or on the basement walls. You grab some cleaning supplies, address the problem, and hope it doesn’t come back.
Would you be surprised to learn that mold facts could make up their own entertaining category in a trivia game?
We don’t expect anyone to start celebrating the fungus as a determined, durable little organism. Our teams take care of mold cleanup in Chicago homes and businesses every day. Still, it’s always fun to discover fascinating facts about things that seem very ordinary.
10 Mold Facts and Myths: The Good, the Bad and the Amazing
Scientists can explain the difference between good mold and bad mold, but all we see is a fungus that makes us reach for the bleach. The stuff can actually save lives. It can also seem like something out of a scary movie. Let’s dig a little deeper into 10 amazing myths and facts about mold.
1. Even the Cleanest House Hides Mold
The idea that a clean house can grow no mold is just a myth. Mold spores are a natural part of our environment. They’re always present even inside the cleanest homes.
2. Some of the Stuff Is Good for You
Is mold really that bad? Mycologists who study the world of fungi are the first to point out that the world owes a great deal of its good health to the Penicillium mold.
3. It Can Help Your Garden Grow
When you catch a musty fragrance on the breeze in your garden, that means good mold is doing its job. The fungus plays an invaluable role in organic decomposition that keeps garden soil healthy.
4. Some of It Is Very Bad for You
One of the more disturbing facts about mold is how it can affect your health. Not all household fungi are dangerous, but Stachybotrys chartarum deserves its reputation as a highly toxic mold.
5. It Really Can Ruin Your Walls
Mold is a microorganism that constantly multiplies to live. It’s that evolutionary drive that allows the fungus to quickly spread through sheetrock and permanently damage materials.
6. Mold Is Actually Very Colorful
Most household molds show up as dark splotches, but the unhealthy stuff can present itself in a wide range of colors. Orange, green and even white mold can make itself at home in your home.
7. It Has to Have Moisture to Live
Mold loves a damp environment especially in dark, hidden spaces. A good way to discourage the fungus is to keep your home’s interior humidity between 30 and 40 percent.
8. Mold and Mildew Aren’t the Same Thing
This is one of those mold facts that always needs clearing up. Mold and mildew are related, but they’re not the same. Mildew only grows on surfaces, and it’s easier to eliminate than its fungal cousin.
9. Mold Is Just One in 200,000
Mold stands out as just one of more than 200,000 fungal species. That number becomes much more impressive when you consider there are more than 100,000 individual species of mold.
10. It Probably Won’t Win an Oscar
Is mold a fungus or a movie star? The 2012 movie, “Mold,” begs the question, but the answer is really up to the audience. We’re surprised the fungus hasn’t made more hit horror films.
A Word of Caution
While we enjoy filtering facts and myths about mold, it’s important to remember that a fungal outbreak in your home can turn into a serious situation. You may be able to take care of it with DIY strategies, but know when to be cautious. If you’re going to tackle mold removal by yourself, follow these guidelines.
• Be sure to wear protective gear including a face mask and respirator.
• Handle mold cleanup on porous materials very carefully.
• Don’t try to remove mold from any area larger than 3 square feet.
If you or anyone in the house deals with health issues, we strongly recommend calling in a professional mold removal company to handle the job. Certified technicians save you from the risk of exposure to potentially toxic mold, and they take care of repairs and restoration too.
Our Industry Expertise at Your Service
We probably won’t ever see a national mold day on the calendar, but it’s fun to explore things we usually take for granted. If we’ve missed any amazing fungus facts, let us know through our Comments Section. Meanwhile, we know mold cleanup will always be a chore.
When it turns into a job that gives you pause, give us a call here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba. We’re one of the largest mold removal companies in Chicago, and we take care of the suburbs too. We have the facts on every type of fungus that grows in your home or business, and we’re always ready to put our industry expertise to work for you.