Have you seen white fuzzy mold spotting in your basement? Then you are in the right place. Most basements are known to be rather wet areas, which makes them ideal for the growth of mold. However, is that white mold something that one should be concerned about? To sum up, it is advisable to take action to remove basement mold, right? This blog post is an overview of white basement mold, whether or not it poses a threat, and how to safely remove it.
Causes of White Mold in Basements
Understanding the Factors that Lead to the Growth of the Fungus in the Basement Area of a Home
Mold spores require certain conditions to develop and grow, such as the presence of moisture. Basements are usually damp areas of the house and, therefore, favorable to support the growth of mold colonies.
Some common causes of basement moisture that leads to white mold include:
- Accidents such as flooding or water leaks.
- High relative humidity
- Lack of adequate insulation, particularly on cold surfaces likely to come into contact with moisture.
- Poor air circulation and inadequate ventilation.
If you have found that there is white mold in the basement, you should initially solve the problem with moisture. It will not be enough to simply eliminate the mold growth if the moisture source is still present. Better ways of preventing mold include waterproofing the basement, insulation of the cellar, measures to reduce humidity such as using dehumidifiers and proper ventilation.
It is also essential to understand if white basement mold is dangerous
It is never a good sign to find mold growing in your home or anywhere that you live, for that matter. However, is white basement mold a cause of concern, especially as far as health risks are concerned?
Potential Health Effects
Specifically, exposure to mold may cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems among sensitive persons.
Typical symptoms include:
- Congestion, runny nose
- Coughing, wheezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Rashes
Differences between Toxic Black Mold and White Mold
Some people may have come across the ‘Black Mold,’ which is referred to as the ‘toxic black mold’ belonging to the species Stachybotrys chartarum. However, this variety does produce toxins which may lead to more complications than simple allergic reactions in case of exposure. However, the white mold that we commonly find in basements is NOT the black toxic mold we hear about.
This white basement mold is not nearly as dangerous as the black mold. Most of the time it does not produce toxins that can cause severe diseases to human being and hence white powdery substance is considered to be less dangerous than black mold in terms of health effects.
Mold Allergy vs Mold Toxicity
It is also crucial to differentiate between mold allergy and mold toxicity, which is the toxicity that occurs when one is exposed to mold. Allergy is widespread and manifests as swelling of nasal passages, itchy eyes, coughing, etc., when the immune system over-responds. Toxicity is less frequent but more severe, inducing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, tremors, and more, as the mycotoxins directly affect the human organs and the nervous system.
Thus, white basement mold is not typically toxic in nature. However, sensitive individuals are not exempted from experiencing severe allergic reactions to the substance. When you are thinking about the potential risks of white mold, you should pay attention to the type of symptoms that you have.
How to Safely Remove White Mold
It is essential to get rid of white mold that starts to grow in the basement and for this purpose, you can try out various methods for cleaning.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Gear Up for Safety
First, put on the gear such as gloves, goggles, and N95 mask while performing the task. This will help avoid contact with the surface or inhalation of the dust particles during the cleaning process. Ensure that the work area is closed off from the rest of the house to avoid any interference.
2. Fix Underlying Moisture Sources
As I have stated before, merely cleaning the basement mold is insufficient if the root cause of the problem is still present. Ensure to manage the aspects that cause the formation of mold such as leakages, dampness, puddles, and the like before cleaning.
3. However, for the removal of porous materials with mold growth, the following should be done
Mold can grow on porous materials such as drywall, insulation, carpets, and the like, and such items cannot be effectively cleaned. These materials should, therefore, be disposed of ultimately to ensure that there is no mold reservoir available. Either flush them down the toilet if they are sealed in plastic bags or take them to the nearest disposal site.
4. Scrub Remaining Surfaces
For solid surfaces like concrete walls and wood framing that do not contain porous materials, scrub hard to eliminate the mold. First, clean the face of the object with soap and water, then wash it with a disinfectant solution containing bleach.
5. Support Prevention Going Forward
Following the removal of mold, it is advisable to monitor the areas that were most affected regularly for signs of re-emergence. Others include using a basement dehumidifier, enhancing ventilation using fans, and checking for moisture every now and then. This helps to avoid the formation of new molds, thus keeping the basement in good hygienic condition.
Summary
Mold growth on walls and floors particularly in basements is familiar with white powdery substance and should not be overlooked. Although the mold is not as dangerous as the infamous ‘toxic black mold’ in most instances, there are still health risks, such as allergies and respiratory problems associated with exposure to indoor mold. It is essential to follow the proper safety and cleaning procedures to get rid of white basement mold. But most importantly, that is for the cause of the moisture that let it develop in the first place. Suppose you want to avoid the problem of basement mold. In that case, you need to be proactive and make sure you protect your basement from moisture and humidity.
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