When You Smell Mold – Better Call SERVPRO®

11/4/2024 (Permalink)

Unchecked mold can grow rapidly

Mold are microscopic fungi found both indoors and outdoors. These fungi live on organic matter, such as food, wood, some soil types, and many common building materials. In nature, mold plays an important role in breaking down and digesting organic material, to be reused by growing plants. Some molds are also useful in the manufacturing sector. Certain molds age and flavor cheeses, others are used in bread-making, fermentation, and for lifesaving drug manufacturing. Other molds are harmful to humans, especially when they are allowed to spread unchecked in areas with poor ventilation.

Most people have heard of the infamous ‘black mold’ which is often attributed to health problems, despite not always being toxic. Other colors of mold can be just as bad. Green mold is the most common color for mold, with several thousands of types. There’s also blue, pink, white, yellow, red, and more. Some are dangerous and others aren’t. Unfortunately, color isn’t always a determining factor of whether the mold is dangerous or not. That’s why when you smell mold, it’s good practice to call in the professionals at SERVPRO.

When the right conditions for mold growth are met; heat, moisture, a food source, humidity, and oxygen, a small infestation can grow rapidly. Often, an active or previous water damage situation provides an optimal environment. Wet wood, water trapped between carpets and padding, damp soil in crawlspaces, and improperly dried sheetrock or paneling, are all considered prime breeding grounds for mold.

Your local SERVPRO can assess the situation, perform multiple types of tests, including an air-quality check, to determine if mold is present. Once the source is identified, the team will provide abatement and remediation services. These can include drying wet areas, removal of seriously affected building materials, sanding and then encapsulating wood surfaces, and more, depending on the severity of the problem.

Mold can present health dangers to your family, many of which can lead to long-term problems. That’s why quick action should be taken whenever mold concerns arise.