http://moldreporter.org/ At Mold Reporter, we cover mold types and mold removal, not fluff. Because the existence of mold can be a very serious and even dangerous problem, it is important to understand when professional remediation services are needed and when mold can be cleaned up by the home or business owner.

1. Mold Removal and Remediation
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remediation, do-it-yourself mold removal, the most effective and safest
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information is provided.
At Mold Reporter, we cover mold types and mold removal, not fluff. Because the
existence of mold can be a very serious and even dangerous problem, it is
important to understand when professional remediation services are needed
and when mold can be cleaned up by the home or business owner. There is also
value in knowing how to identify the type of fungi, as well as potential health
risks associated with certain molds and even improper removal.
Overview of Mold
Mold is actually plant-like organisms that grow and thrive both indoors and
outdoors. In nature, mold works to break down complex materials into much
simpler compounds so not every species of mold is considered bad. In fact,
certain molds are used in manufacturing cheese, for fermenting beverages, and
even making Penicillin among other antibiotics.
Remember, mold can be found in millions of places so just because it is found
in a home or office does not automatically equate to there being a serious
health risk. However, mold grows and spreads amazingly fast so even non-toxic
mold types could quickly become a problem.
It is important to know that mold needs a special environment to thrive, any
place where there is water or moisture, as well as little to no sunlight and
ventilation. For this reason, a mold problem is commonly found in specific

2. areas that experience moisture, leaks, and condensation to include those listed
below.
 Basements, crawl spaces, and attics
 Bathrooms and kitchens
 Around water heaters and air conditioning units
 Ductwork and pipes
 Roofs, window frames, and foundations
 Under carpeting or hardwood flooring
 Behind drywall
Although mold depends on water and moisture to grow and thrive, mold spores
do not. Experts estimate that within 40 to 48 hours of a water leak or
moisture/condensation buildup, mold begins to form. For this reason, even a
small water or moisture problem needs to be addressed immediately.
Testing and Cleanup
As mentioned, there are some types of mold that are considered extremely
dangerous so if mold is discovered, prior to starting a cleanup process it is
strongly recommended for the mold to be tested so the exact type and level of
health risk could be identified. If the problem is small and contained, a home or
business owner could use specially formulated products for removal. However,
protective clothing, gloves, eyewear, and a respiratory mask are imperative.
On the other hand, if a mold problem is large, the type of mold is identified as
black mold or another dangerous species, or prior cleanups have failed, it
would be essential to hire professional mold remediation services. The
individual providing the cleanup service would possess extensive training and
state licensing. Below are the standard steps associated with remediation.
 Structural analysis to include history of known problems
 Swab and/or air test samples taken
 Mold samples sent to an accredited laboratory for testing and
identification
 Home or business owner would be advised of the findings and
remediation processes discussed
 Interior belongings protected or removed from the property
 Appropriate product used to complete the mold removal process
 Belongings treated for mold, sanitized, and disinfected if needed

3. Remember, if there is any water or moisture problem this too would need to be
corrected immediately. Otherwise, money spent on mold removal would be
wasted because mold would return.
Dangerous Mold Species
Molds are broken down into categories, some causing little to no risk and
others being potentially life-threatening.
 Allergenic Mold / Mold Spores – Not overly dangerous, they do generate
symptoms of allergies
 Mycotoxic Mold / Mold Spores – Molds in this category are highly toxic
and extremely dangers to people, as well as animals
 Pathogenic Mold – In this case, humans would be at serious health risk,
especially for developing infections due to the immune system being
compromised
 Hyphae and Hyphal – As mold fragments, some people have allergic
reactions
 Ascospores / Basidiospores – As clusters of spores, their presence
generally indicates some type and degree of mold problem
Among the most common types of mold found in homes and businesses is
Aspergillus, which is comprised of more than 185 unique species. However, of
these 20 species are known to be hazardous to humans, as well as animals.
Interestingly, of these 20 species of mold, not all contain toxic metabolic
byproducts. Even so, these mold species could still cause health problems so all
20 should be removed using precautionary measures.
Another toxic mold species is called Helminthosporium, which is more often
connected with weeds and grasses. Although not usually found inside a
structure, because this mold thrives in soil, it can be transferred indoors from
shoes, clothing, and pets. In addition, any fruits and vegetables grown in soil
containing this toxic mold would be dangerous for consumption.
Botrytis is also toxic mold that affects soil and plants, which is a real problem
due to how fast it grows. Of all molds that involve plants, this is one of the
worst. The good news is that Botrytis is easy to identify with a white surface
and wooly type texture. As the mold matures and begins to spread, the color
becomes gray.

4. Black mold is the species that people are most aware of and a type of mold that
if not properly removed can actually be deadly. Officially known as Strachotrys
atri, this mold typically has a black or green slimy appearance. Unfortunately,
this species of mold is not only common but it is also aggressive and highly
toxic. Moist black mold can cause a number of skin reactions while inhaled dry
spores can lead to serious health problems.
Health Risks
Three primary categories of health risks are associated with mold to include
allergies, infection, and toxicity. Within each of these categories, several
symptoms could develop if a person were to come into contact with toxic mold
to include skin contact and inhalation. Following are examples of those
symptoms, showing the different risk levels of certain molds.
 Allergies
o Asthma
o Nasal Inflammation
o Watery Eyes and Nose
 Infection
o Athlete’s Foot
o Toenail Fungus
 Toxicity
o Pulmonary Hemorrhaging in Babies
o Headache
o Nausea
o Dizziness
o Extreme Fatigue
o Cognitive Impairment
o Visual Impairment
Conclusion
Mold, whether toxic or not is unsightly and damaging to any surface on which it
grows. However, in the case of toxic mold, both humans and animals would be
at risk for serious health problems. Remember, unless an appropriate product
is used and protective great worn, mold removal should be completed by a
professional through mold remediation services.