Mold… the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Mold…

the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

 The Good… 

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment.  In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified.  Fungi produces some very useful results.  Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, baked goods and other food products, including some alcoholic beverages.  The unique flavor of bleu cheese is a result of mold.  An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and lifesaving penicillin is a product of mold.  

The Bad and the Ugly… 

Mold exists in every household, no matter how spotless you keep it. It’s a natural part of the air in any home. Mold becomes a problem if it can grow and spread, which can lead to respiratory problems in those with suppressed immune systems and who suffer from allergies or have asthma. Severe indoor mold infestations can also affect otherwise healthy people.

Things to be aware of… 

Appearance 

Do you see mold?

 Odor

Do you smell mold? Mold has a particular musty, earthy smell. If you smell something not quite right near an area that is prone to dampness and constant moisture, you may be smelling mold. Mold feeds on both wood and drywall, so if you smell a strong, musty odor but don’t see any discoloration, the problem may be inside of your wall. Check for leaks both inside and outside of the wall to help you track down the source of the smell. 

If you suspect you have a mold problem, call us – SERVPRO of North Huntington 631-423-1734.  A professional in mold remediation will examine your home or business and determine the next course of action needed.