Friday, September 27, 2013

White Mold vs Black Mold: What's The Difference?

All types of mold can be harmful when found inside your home. When it comes to white mold vs. black mold, each one should be thoroughly removed as soon as it is detected, and will require different techniques to be used in order to do so. Black mold is perhaps the most common form of household mold. It is caused by moisture from leaking pipes, flood damage, or condensation inside a building. It can accumulate in drywall, ceiling tiles or even carpet, where its spores will multiply and cause even more damage.

This type of mold is normally greenish-black in color and somewhat slimy. Even so, if it is left unchecked for a period of time, it can turn into a powder-like residue instead. Exposure to black mold can result in difficulty breathing, headaches, fatigue, nausea and eye irritation. Black mold is typically removed by scrubbing it with a solution of bleach and water until it is completely eliminated. Carpets and furniture that are infested with mold will normally need to be discarded. When black mold is present in ductwork, a professional cleaning may be needed in order to completely remove it.

White mold has the potential to be more dangerous than black mold because it is not easily visible. As a result, it could spread a great deal before it is actually discovered. White mold typically grows on plants or food items, and can also form in attics and around the crawl spaces of your home. It is often confused with efflorescence, a crystalline substance that sometimes appears on brick or masonry. As such, special tests may be needed in order to confirm the presence of white mold.

Some of the same health problems caused by black mold can also result from white mold exposure, including nausea, headaches, eye irritations and difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, white mold exposure can cause respiratory infections, chronic headaches and depression.

White mold can be removed by scrubbing the surface with a solution of strong detergent and hot water, and then going back over the area with either vinegar or bleach. When large amounts of white mold are present, professional mold removal services should be used in order to completely eliminate this hazard.

In order to reduce your odds of developing mold, fix leaks as soon as they occur plus ensure your yard has good drainage so that standing water won’t accumulate and allow mold to grow. In some cases, using a dehumidifier could be helpful as well. By taking some of these precautions plus many more, you can normally eliminate potential health problems that are associated with both white and black mold alike.

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