Mold, of any kind, is an issue that can cause serious health problems and structural damage if left untreated. In fact, 24% of the population is genetically predisposed to not detox environmental contaminants properly. This can be too much of a toxin load in the body and can seep out as other illnesses (insomnia, chronic fatigue, drastic weight gain, etc.). Even if you’re part of the other 76% who does have the ability to detox environmental contaminants, it doesn’t mean your body is immune to toxic build up. If you’re chronically exposed to mold (i.e. in a home, classroom, place of work, etc.) it’s possible you're being burdened with toxic overload. It's tempting to take shortcuts and cover up the problem by painting over mold-infested areas, but this is a risky decision that can lead to even more significant issues down the line. Let's talk about why painting over mold is not a viable solution and discuss proper methods for effective mold removal.
Painting over mold may seem like a quick fix to hide the unsightly growth, but it's merely a band-aid solution. Mold can continue to grow and spread beneath the paint surface, as it thrives in moist environments. Covering it up does not address the underlying moisture problem, allowing the mold to persist and potentially worsen over time. Additionally, painting over mold traps the spores, making it difficult to identify the extent of the infestation and increasing the risk of health hazards. In short, DON'T PAINT OVER THE MOLD!
Absolutely! Mold growth in your home is a cause for concern. Mold reproduces through airborne spores that can be inhaled, and get rapped in the fabrics of your home (mattresses, pillows, couches, clothes) which can lead to a myriad of health problems if chronically exposed. Certain types of mold, like Stachybotrys and Aspergillus, can release mycotoxins, which are very harmful to human health. As put by the World Health Organization, "Mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to both humans and livestock. The adverse health effects of mycotoxins range from acute poisoning to long-term effects such as immune deficiency and cancer." Furthermore, mold can damage the structural integrity of your home, compromising walls, ceilings, and floors, if left unaddressed. So we have the structure of your body and your home at risk when a mold colony is present.
Even if a mold colony appears dormant, it is not safe to ignore it. Dormant mold can become active again when conditions are favorable, such as increased moisture or humidity levels. Think back to that above average rainfall season we had in CA in Spring 2023. Something as simple as that can be the trigger to wake up a dormant mold colony. It's essential to address any mold growth, whether active or dormant, to prevent future issues.
Using bleach to tackle mold is a common misconception. While bleach can initially remove mold stains, it does not effectively kill the mold spores or address the moisture problem, allowing the mold to return. The most common kind of bleach is chlorine bleach, a water-based solution containing sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. What does mold love? You guessed it. Water. Not only are you not getting rid of the mold by using bleach, you're essentially feeding it and covering up the evidence. On top of that, you've now added volatile organic compounds into your home from the bleach fumes. It's been found that Hydrogen Peroxide is more effective in attacking surface level mold colonies. The most effective way to rid your home of mold, however, is proper remediation.
Proper mold remediation involves identifying the source of moisture, fixing any leaks or water intrusions, and removing the mold safely. The ERMI test by LisBiotech, can be used to assess mold contamination levels, before and after remediation, to guide the remediation process. Our first choice for anyone going through mold remediation is to use a professional company (a full list can be found in our Mold and Mycotoxins, Now What? minicourse). This is because there are a lot of things that can be done wrong in the process and compromise your health even further. It makes it so all the hard work you put in can result in aggravated health problems making you feel like you're going backwards in your health journey. However, to ensure thorough removal, a quality remediation company should follow these essential steps:
a. **Identify and Eliminate Moisture Source**: Fix any water leaks or sources of moisture that are contributing to mold growth.
b. **Contain the Affected Area**: Use plastic sheeting and tape to seal off the mold-infested area to prevent spores from spreading to other parts of the house.
c. **Remove Mold-Infested Materials**: Discard materials that are heavily contaminated with mold safely, such as drywall or insulation.
d. **Clean and Sanitize**: Use specialized mold removal products to clean and sanitize the affected area.
e. **Dry and Ventilate**: Ensure the area is thoroughly dried and ventilated to prevent mold from returning.
Typically, remediation companies do not deal with rebuilding the recovered area. If you, a close friend, or family member, are skilled in rebuilding you can manage that on your own or hire a construction company to keep the area up to code, depending on the extent of the removal.
Conclusion:
Mold is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and proper removal. Painting over mold is not a viable solution, as it allows the mold to continue spreading and poses significant health risks. To effectively eliminate mold and prevent its return, follow the proper mold removal steps outlined above. For more information and budget-friendly options, check out our other blog post "Fighting Mold On A Budget". Remember, your health and the integrity of your home are worth investing time and effort in resolving mold problems correctly.
