Is Mold Making Me Sick?

Owning a residential home or commercial building often comes with countless challenges, from keeping your monthly heating and cooling costs low to dealing with plumbing issues, broken appliances, and other common sources of stress. 

While mold damage may not be at the top of your list of concerns, its potential health effects are nothing to ignore. When it comes to keeping your home or business safe and healthy, understanding the difference between fact and fiction can help you determine the best way to address your mold issue.

Below are 10 of the most common myths about mold and the corresponding facts to set the record straight. Many of these you have likely either heard or assumed at one point or another, and this blog will address each myth separately and provide clarity to help you maintain a safe indoor environment.

1. Only black mold is harmful to your health.
2. Mold is always visible.
3. You can keep your house completely free of mold.
4. Once you remediate mold, it never comes back.
5. A small patch of mold is nothing to worry about.
6. Bleach is an effective way to kill mold. 
7. Mold only grows after major water damage. 
8. You can remediate mold yourself. 
9. All mold has a bad smell. 
10. Mold is easy to identify.

Myth #1: Only black mold is harmful to your health.

Fact: It is often assumed that black mold is the only harmful type of mold because we hear so much about it in the news. However, other types of mold may also be harmful to human (and pet) health, regardless of their color or appearance. The most common symptoms of mold exposure include breathing problems, allergic reactions (coughing, sneezing, watery eyes), and headaches. Although mold symptoms primarily affect people with existing allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems, it may be time to call a professional if you are noticing these symptoms and think you might have mold in the home. 

Myth #2: Mold is always visible. 

Fact: There are myriad types of mold on the planet, many of which are commonly found inside homes and commercial or industrial buildings—and many are undetectable with the naked eye. This includes microscopic mold spores that may be floating around in the air, as well as “hidden” or “invisible” mold that may be concealed behind walls, beneath flooring, or inside crawl spaces, attics, air vents, and other places that are not easily accessible. 

Myth #3: You can keep your home mold free.

Fact: No home is completely free of mold. Every indoor space provides an environment in which mold can grow, and some are more susceptible to mold growth based on their location and climate. However, even though mold spores are always present and it is impossible to avoid them entirely, they should not be allowed to flourish to the point of causing health problems and structural damage to your home. 

Myth #4: Once you remediate mold, it never comes back.

Fact: While the goal of mold removal and remediation is to eliminate mold growth and mitigate future issues, there is always a chance that mold may return. It is important to fix any existing water leaks as soon as they happen, keep indoor humidity levels low, regularly clean and disinfect your air ducts, and keep moisture-prone areas (such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room) as dry as possible by quickly managing spills or leaks. 

Myth #5: A small patch of mold is nothing to worry about.

Fact: Even though it may be possible to remediate a small patch of mold by yourself, mold growth should never be ignored completely. Minor problems have a way of becoming major issues when dismissed, and mold growth is no exception. It may be that while you only see a few mold spots on the wall or on the floor, there is a larger area you may not be able to see—which is why you should always start by contacting a professional to help you identify the full scope of the problem. 

Myth #6: Bleach is an effective way to kill mold. 

Fact: This is a common misconception, and one you have likely heard before. However, bleach does not kill mold spores and should never be used to remediate mold. In fact, it is one of the worst things to use, especially on porous surfaces, and it may even contribute to further mold growth. Many common mold and mildew removers are also ineffective, which is why you should always consult a professional to see what they recommend.

Myth #7: Mold only grows after major water damage. 

Fact: Major water damage (such as from storms or a burst pipe) is not the only thing that causes mold growth. From the basement to the attic, mold can grow anywhere, at any time—especially in warm, dark areas or those prone to excess condensation. Poor ventilation can also lead to mold growth and the spread of mold throughout your home or commercial business. Leaky AC units and humidifiers can also contribute to mold growth. 

Myth #8: You can remediate mold yourself. 

Fact: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if the area affected by mold is smaller than 10 square feet, you can probably remediate the mold yourself. However, even if you decide to DIY your mold removal, the first thing you should do is contact a mold remediation specialist. An experienced technician will be able to come to your home and quickly assess the situation to help you determine the best way to proceed.

Myth #9: All mold has a bad smell. 

Fact: Certain types of mold release gasses called microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which give them a detectable odor—typically a musty, unpleasant smell. However, this is not true for all mold. If you cannot see or smell mold growth but you or your family members (or employees) have been experiencing common mold-related health issues, a mold remediation professional can help you determine whether or not you have a mold problem. 

Myth #10: Mold is easy to identify.

Fact: Not by a long shot. Mold comes in just about every color, shape, and texture you can imagine. For example, many different types of mold growth can appear black in color, but that doesn’t mean they are the toxic kind of black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum). For this reason, identifying which type of mold you have—and how to remediate it—is a job best left to the pros. 

Fact: We are Connecticut’s trusted mold specialists.

CT Mold Pros specializes in creating safe and healthy living environments for individuals and commercial enterprises throughout the state. We are a locally run, family business dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of conduct for every client we serve. 

Call us today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate or fill out this short form with your message to schedule an appointment with one of our trained and certified specialists.