Do You Need White Mold Removal in Springfield Missouri?
White mold looks different from some of the other fungi in the same family, but it thrives in similar environments. These fuzzy growths can show up almost anywhere in the home, and while it’s not toxic, it can cause sickness in sensitive individuals. We often answer calls about mold issues, and we have seen it growing everywhere, from the basement to the attic. While it’s possible to handle white mold with DIY methods, it’s important to know more about it and when to call a professional.
Why Is It White?
The unusual appearance of white mold is due to an absence of spore pigmentation. Unlike most fungal growths, white mold does not darken as it becomes mature. In most cases, lab testing shows white mold samples to be aspergillus or cladosporidium. It’s difficult to distinguish between white mold and mildew, as they look very similar. However, white mold may permeate porous materials such as wood, while mildew grows only on surfaces.
Clearing Up the Confusion
Homeowners often confuse crystalline efflorescence and white mold, as both thrive in a damp environment. However, efflorescence is a salt deposit that’s left behind as moisture seeps through concrete, and it does not affect wood or drywall. If the growth does not dissolve when sprayed, you’ve got a white mold growth that will quickly spread, and it’s time to call the pros.
The Health Risks of White Mold
Many times, homeowners ask us if white mold is dangerous, and the answer to that question is yes. Like all types of mold, airborne spores may penetrate skin, lungs, and eyes. If anyone in the family has allergies, white mold can make them worse, and exposure will aggravate conditions such as cystic fibrosis and asthma. Further exposure to white mold will result in bronchopulmonary problems and fungal infections of the sinuses. Even for those in good health, white mold in the home will cause a persistent cough, itchy and watery eyes, and sneezing.
Steps to Take
Because the growth of white mold will damage the home and threaten your family’s health, it should be addressed immediately. While DIY cleanups occasionally work, you should call us if:
- The area affected by mold is more than three square feet in size
- The affected materials are hard to clean
- Anyone in the family has medical issues
After we remove the mold, we’ll perform a detailed inspection to ensure the removal of all moisture sources. Once airborne mold spores settle onto damp surfaces, mold will grow within 48 hours or less.
How We Can Help
If you have any health concerns, allow the pros at PuroClean to handle your white mold removal. We’ll address the issue with:
- Third-party lab testing, which determines the nature of the outbreak
- The skills of our industry-certified, highly-trained technicians
- Advanced techniques, products, and equipment
- Repairs that eliminate the original source of moisture
By calling us for mold removal in Springfield Missouri, you’re assured of the complete removal of white mold from furniture, in crawl spaces, and behind walls. Call us today for the peace of mind that comes with professional mold removal and restoration.