Mold is a common household problem that can cause confusion and misunderstandings about its health effects. There are several myths about mold that can lead to misunderstandings about its dangers. In this blog post, I will discuss some of the most common myths about mold and provide accurate information to help you understand the true effects of mold on human health.
Myth 1: All mold is dangerous: Not all mold is toxic or harmful to human health. While some types of molds can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues, others are not considered to be a health hazard.
Examples of molds that are not considered toxic include alternaria, nigrospora, dresclera, pithomyces, aureobasidium, ulocladium, and stemphylium. These molds do not produce mycotoxins, but alternaria mold can have significant allergy symptoms.
But these 5, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys are considered toxic to humans. They can potentially cause deadly illnesses by producing mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems.
Myth 2: You can’t see mold, so it’s not there: Some molds may be hidden, such as behind walls or in air ducts, molds can be visible and found growing on surfaces like walls, ceilings, or floors. By the time we can see mold with the naked eye, it has already grown to a colony of millions of cells growing together. And by that time, it has already metastasized microscopically into the air to create colonies in other places.
It can create health problems long before you ever see it. It can also hide in places you can’t see and be in large quantities. Places like dust, carpet, hidden in wall or ceiling cavities, HVAC/air conditioning systems, subfloors or basements. So you may have to make some hard decisions.
Myth 3: You can’t smell mold, so it’s not there: Some types of molds have a musty or damp odor, while others may not have a noticeable smell. However, the presence of mold odor alone is not a reliable indicator of mold growth. It’s important to remember that not all molds have an odor, and even if you don’t smell mold, it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Plus, mycotoxins (the toxic parts) don’t have an odor.
Myth 4: You can’t get sick from mold: Exposure to certain types of molds can cause a range of health effects, including allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and even neurological symptoms. People with mold allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma may be more sensitive to mold exposure. In addition, certain types of molds such as black mold, can produce toxins that can cause serious health problems.
Myth 5: You can clean up mold with bleach: While bleach seems to kill mold on surfaces, it does not address the underlying moisture issue that is allowing the mold to grow, just turns it white, and gives it more moisture to grow. It also does not remove mold spores from the air, which can still cause health effects. To properly remove mold, you must address the source of moisture and use a mold-specific cleaner.
Myth 6: Mold is only a problem in old buildings: Mold can grow in any building, regardless of age, as long as there is a source of moisture present. Mold can grow in new buildings just as easily as it can grow in older buildings. It in fact does quite readily due to the materials we use and the rain and snowfall on those during the building phase.
Myth 7: Mold only grows in damp or humid environments: Mold can grow in any environment, as long as there is a source of moisture present. Mold can grow in dry climates just as easily as it can grow in humid climates. It only needs 50% humidity to grow. We have that in most our bathrooms.
Myth 8: You can’t prevent mold growth: By controlling moisture, keeping the indoor humidity low, and properly maintaining your home or building, you can prevent mold growth. Regularly inspecting your home or building for signs of moisture and addressing any leaks or water damage quickly can also help prevent mold growth.
So, it’s important to understand that mold can be dangerous to human health, but not all types of molds are toxic. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, it’s best to consult with a professional to have the mold tested and properly removed, both from your possessions and from your body. Remember to address the source of moisture and to keep your indoor humidity low to prevent mold growth.
If you have been dealing with illness from mold, sign up for my free masterclass 7 ways to enhance your mold mycotoxin detoxification This is where I give you my strategy to master the mold and reclaim your life.
