No matter how clean you keep your home, there's always the potential for mold growth. What's worse is that it isn't always easy to detect when a type of mold is present. But make no mistake, it's important to remain vigilant about mold prevention—particularly when it comes to black mold, which only takes a day or two to start growing. What is it and what are some of the long-term effects black mold exposure can have on your health? Keep reading to find out. What Is Black Mold? Black mold is an umbrella term for a dangerous species of mold often found in homes. Typically, homeowners can expect to find black mold in damp, warm areas such as sinks, tubs, faucets, grout, pools, toilets, and vents. Furthermore, black mold thrives in areas where dust and dirt accumulate. In some areas, such as a tub or sink, homeowners can … [Read more...]
What Are the Symptoms of Inhaling Toxic Mold?
Did you know that a staggering 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies? Or that allergies rank sixth when it comes to chronic illnesses in the country? The most concerning fact here is that many people can experience allergic reactions to allergens (substances that trigger the allergy) that they don't even see. For example, mold spores tinier than the eye can see can trigger severe allergic reactions. And that's not all. Certain types of molds can also cause poisoning. Of these microorganisms, toxic black mold is one of the most dangerous. But what exactly happens to those exposed to these fungi? What are the symptoms if you've inhaled its spores? Keep reading for some basic but important information about dealing with mold toxicity. Toxic Black Mold: The Basics First things first: Black mold (or … [Read more...]
How (and When) to Check for Mold in Your Home
Has your home started smelling a little musty lately? If so, it's probably in your best interest to learn how to check for mold. The truth is, mold growth is a more common problem in Milwaukee than you may imagine. Mold spores grow anywhere where there is moisture, and it doesn't take them long to form colonies. There are almost 1,000 types of household mold, and many of them pose a significant health risk to you and your family. If it's not dealt with in time, a mold outbreak can also be very costly to address. Not sure whether you have something to worry about? Here is what you need to know about testing for mold in your home. Mold Indicators First, let's go over the more obvious signs you're dealing with mold issues. The biggest indicator of mold is actual, visible mold growth. In this situation, the only question is … [Read more...]