Why SERVPRO? Because all mold is bad mold!

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

One question we often come across from our customers worried about mold growing in their homes is what kind of mold they have or whether they should get the mold tested before having their home or business remediated. There has been a lot of coverage in the media about black mold or stachybotrys chartarum causing many people to be worried about that type of mold they may have in their home or business here in Wichita.

In cases where third party testing isn’t necessary knowing the exact strain of mold growing does not matter because it simply needs to be removed. The type of mold does not change what needs to be done to properly clean and remediate the affected areas. Even if it isn’t Stachybotrys chartarum it can still be harmful. According to the CDC’s information page on mold not only are the mycotoxins produced by some mold toxic but even strains that are not toxic can still provoke an immune system or allergic response from people who are sensitive to mold. Specifically in regards to the necessity of testing the CDC says:

"Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the reaction of individuals can vary greatly either because of the person’s susceptibility or type and amount of mold present, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal."

If you want to prevent mold in your Home or Business the CDC recommends keeping indoor humidity below 50% which you can do with consistent air conditioner or dehumidifiers. Ensure you have adequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens (we would also recommend good ventilation in crawlspaces and attics). Use antimicrobial paints, clean bathrooms with mold killing products. DO NOT carpet bathrooms and remove/replace flooded carpets.

Of course with flooded carpets you don’t need to replace them when you call a professional remediator such as SERVPRO to handle your water damage.  We can also help you investigate.