What is White Mold, and How Dangerous Is It?

What is White Mold?

There is a type of mold that appears in white or off-white colors. The texture of this mold can be powdery or fuzzy and looks like mildew. Like other types of mold, white mold also grows in moist and humid environments. It is commonly found after a rainy season or water damage due to leakages. Due to its light color, it is hard to identify white mold at the initial stage.

How Does White Mold Grow?

White mold grows on organic substances that have cellulose in the presence of moisture. An area subjected to water damage is more likely to be affected by white mold. Organic materials like wood, drywall, and carpets are favorable places for white mold to grow. Poor ventilation also promotes the growth of white mold. That’s why it is commonly found in basements, crawlspaces, and attics. Once white mold starts to spread, it becomes challenging to stop its growth.

Is White Mold Dangerous?

For people who have weak immunity, respiratory issues, or mold allergies, white mold can be dangerous. Spores of white mold can cause health problems when inhaled. There is a list of health risks that are caused by white mold.

Health Risks Related to White Mold

Usually, people get allergic reactions due to white mold, but those who have respiratory issues can have severe reactions. White mold can lead to the following health problems:

Respiratory Issues

Long-term exposure to white mold can lead to respiratory issues. More spores, when inhaled, damage the lungs and lead to the following issues:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Nasal congestion
• Asthma
• Bronchitis

Allergic Reactions

Being in contact with mold spores can trigger allergies and intensify the reactions. People with symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes become more vulnerable in the presence of white mold.

Fungal Infections

Those who have fungal infections or skin diseases can also face difficulty, as their symptoms can get worse due to mold. Moreover, patients having chemotherapy are at higher risk for such infections.

What Does White Mold Look Like? 

Identification of white mold can be difficult, as it resembles mildew. Here are some characteristics of white mold:

Color

White mold is usually found in white or off-white colors. Depending on the environment outside, it can take a greenish or grayish hue.

Location

White mold is found in areas that have a rough surface and high humidity. It can be found on a wooden surface in the least ventilated areas of the building.

Spread

Mildew that looks similar to white mold grows in small patches, while white mold can spread across larger areas and continue till the end of the surface.

How to Get Rid of White Mold?

If you have found white mold in your home or you are facing health issues that are related to white mold, you need to take some immediate steps to get rid of it. Those steps are the following:

Fix the Moisture Problem

The main cause of mold growth is moisture. First, you need to fix the issue that is increasing the moisture content at the specific place where the mold is growing.

Clean the Affected Area

If there is a smaller patch of mold, then you can clean it by yourself. For cleaning it, you need to wear full protective gear. You should wear a mask, gloves, and goggles, as no mold spores should be in contact with you directly. If there is a bigger patch, it is best to seek help from professionals.

Dispose of Contaminated Material

If you have cleaned the area properly, you need to dispose of the contaminated material. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow if left undiscovered in your home. It is recommended that you discard material where mold has its roots.

Seek Help from Professionals

It is not easy to identify if the mold is toxic or not. Identifying the source of moisture is also important to get rid of mold. That’s why it is recommended that you seek help from professionals to inspect the place and detect the issue behind mold growth. GreenWorks Inspections can help you find the root cause of mold and opt for the best possible solution.

Conclusion

White mold usually remains unnoticed compared to the black mold. That is the main reason that people are still questioning the experts, “Is white mold dangerous? ”Well, the answer is ‘yes’. Anything that has adverse effects on human health is dangerous. The experts recommend getting rid of white mold at the earliest. Get your place inspected to identify mold and deal with it according to its type.