Dangers of Mold in Your Home

Mold has existed for millions of years and will continue to exist for millions more. The best we can do is limit mold growth within our homes, and eliminate the toxic kinds of mold from growing within our homes altogether. Throughout this blog, we will discuss the common types of mold that grow within homes, where these molds grow, how to prevent it from growing, and what to do if you do find mold within your home.

Types of Mold

Aspergillus

This is the type of mold that is found most commonly on foods, and in your home’s air conditioning systems. This mold will cause allergy-like symptoms if it begins to grow out of control, but can be eliminated relatively easily and won’t cause you too many problems.

Cladosporium

This type of mold is typically found growing on the back of toilets, painted surfaces, and fiberglass air ducts. Aspergillus and Cladosporium both cause allergy-like symptoms if they begin to grow out of control, but won’t cause any severe damage.

Stachybotrys Atra (black mold)

This form of mold is highly toxic and has caused illnesses known as “sick building syndrome.” This mold most commonly grows on soil, but can easily be tracked into a home with the building materials when the home is being constructed.

The most common way Stachybotrys Atra is entered into a home is when the structure has sustained some water damage either through flooding, broken pipes, roof, wall or floor leaks, or condensation. It can also be found in air ducts, and while this is less common, it promotes the growth of the mold and circulates it through your home at a faster rate.

Where Mold Grows

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, mold grows both indoors and outdoors and can be transferred easily between the two environments. Mold can enter your home through open doors, vents, windows and heating, and air conditioning systems. Additionally, mold can be transferred into your home by attaching itself to your shoes, clothes or pets. Because Tampa has such a high rate of humidity throughout nearly the entire year, it is especially vulnerable to mold growth.

Once in your home, mold can grow anywhere, but most often it will be found in warm and moist areas. This could mean in your bathroom behind your toilet or shower; anywhere near air conditioning vents; or in your kitchen. Mold thrives on paper products, ceiling tiles, cardboard and wood products.

You should be on exceptionally high alert for mold after your home has experienced some water damage, whether it is from flooding, a pipe leak, slab leak or a heavy storm.

If you experience any flooding or water damage within your home, make sure to act quickly so that mold does not have the chance to begin growing.

What to Do if You Find Mold

Call ACS Home Services right away! We offer mold remediation services and are experts on maintaining indoor air quality.

No matter what your mold situation is, ACS Home Services is here to help you through it. With over 30 years of experience in mold remediation throughout Tampa, Florida we know how to handle all of your mold problems, no matter how severe they are.