Mold is a type of fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. There are many types of mold, some of which are harmless, while others can cause health problems. One particular type of mold, called white mold, deserves special attention.
White mold is a harmful fungus that can cause serious health problems if it is allowed to grow unchecked. In this guide, we will discuss what white mold is, its dangers, and how to get rid of it.
What is a white mold?
White mold is a fungus that can grow on your home, plants and food. It also often tends to appear in humid environments, but can be found in dry climates as well. Mushrooms are a type of white mold.
White mold is usually easy to identify because it forms a fluffy, cottony-looking growth. However, there are many types of molds that are white, so it’s important to know how to tell which is which.
White molds can grow indoors and outdoors. They reproduce by releasing spores into the air. When these spores land on a damp surface, they can start to grow. Mold thrives in warm, humid environments.
White mold flourishes in humid environments and is often referred to as “saprophytic”, which means it sustains itself from dead organic material. The name, “white mold” refers to the color of the fungi, not necessarily its color during growth, but the mature specimens will be white color.
White mold is often confused with powdery mildew, a fungal disease that affects plants. These two forms of fungi are both white and tend to spread across the surface of their host material. However, powdery mildew lacks the characteristic thickness and soft texture of white mold, making it easy to distinguish from this type of fungus.
Types of white molds include:
Cladosporium
These are the most common types of white mold. They can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wood, paper, and fabric.
Aspergillus
This type of white mold can cause respiratory problems in people with weakened immune systems. It can also cause skin irritation.
Penicillium
This type of white mold is often found in food products like cheese and bread. It can also cause respiratory problems in people with weakened immune systems.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
A common form of white mold that grows on plants is called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. It produces hard black structures called “sclerotia” that can remain dormant for years and survive adverse conditions.
This type of mold reproduces via spores and causes the plant tissue to rot away from the inside out. As it grows, the outer tissue appears water-soaked or stunted, but this disease is often not seen until it spreads through the entire plant.
Where do white molds grow?
You can find white mold growing on surfaces like walls, ceilings, or floors. It can also grow on fabrics, paper, or wood. White mold usually has a fuzzy or powdery appearance.
White mold usually grows on decaying organic matter, such as food and plant debris. The white mold you see in your garden is probably a type called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This kind of mold feeds on dead leaves and other plant matter below the soil surface and above ground. You’ll know it’s present when you see white cottony growths on the plants, which eventually turns brown and leads to decay.
How can you tell you have white mold infestation?
The most telling sign of an infestation is usually when you start to see the actual mold. White molds can be very visible against light-colored surfaces, so keep an eye out for any patches that look fuzzy or slimy. However, sometimes it’s not easy to spot early signs of a problem, so here are some other common symptoms:
- Respiratory problems such as wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing
- Itching or skin irritation
- Watery eyes
- A damp smell
- Water damage on walls or other surfaces
- Discolored areas on walls or ceilings that grow over time
- Areas that feel soft or spongy when touched
Health effects of white mold
White mold is considered a toxic substance, which means it can have serious effects on humans and animals who come into contact with it. Most species do not produce toxins unless they are under stress or growing on certain types of plants. However, some species may produce toxins whether or not they are stressed, and others may produce allergens that could trigger asthma or other allergic reactions.
Most people come into contact with white mold when they breathe it in or touch it directly. Inhaling spores from this type of mold can cause pulmonary mycotoxicosis, which is characterized by inflammation in the lungs and reduced lung function. Some people develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an inflammatory disease that resembles pneumonia.
This type of mold can also irritate the eyes, skin and throat. If you think you’ve been exposed to white mold, see a doctor right away.
Other health problems include:
- Respiratory problems
- Allergic reactions
- Skin irritation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
How to get rid of white mold
Find the source of the water intrusion and fix it
The first step in getting rid of white mold is to find the source of the moisture problem and fix it. If you have a leaky roof, for example, you’ll need to repair it to prevent more water from coming in.
If the mold has already started growing, you’ll need to remove it
Once you’ve fixed the source of the moisture problem, you’ll need to remove any mold that has already started growing. This can be done with a variety of different cleaners, depending on the extent of the problem.
Clean affected areas with a solution of bleach and water
To clean small areas of mold, mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water and apply it to the affected area with a sponge or cloth. Be sure to dry the area completely afterwards.
Repeat the process as necessary until the mold is gone.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove spores from the air
If there is still evidence of mold after you’ve cleaned it up, you’ll need to take steps to remove the spores from the air. One way to do this is by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
Preventing future mold growth
There are also some things you can do to prevent white mold from growing in the first place.
In addition to fixing the source of the moisture problem and cleaning up any mold that’s already grown, there are some things you can do to prevent white mold from growing in the first place. These include:
- Making sure your home is properly ventilated.
- Keeping surfaces dry.
- Using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels in your home.
- Remove any wet or damp items from the area where the mold is growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can white mold make you sick?
In some cases, yes. If you are allergic to mold, exposure to white mold can cause respiratory problems, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. In people with asthma, exposure to mold can trigger an asthma attack. People with weakened immune systems may be at risk for more serious reactions to mold.
What is worse white or black mold?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the type of mold and the person’s individual reaction to it. Some types of black mold are more toxic than white mold and can cause health problems in people who are exposed to it. However, not all black molds are more dangerous than white molds. It is important to identify the type of mold before taking any action.
What happens if you breathe in white mold?
If you are allergic to mold, exposure to white mold can cause respiratory problems, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. In people with asthma, exposure to mold can trigger an asthma attack. People with weakened immune systems may be at risk for more serious reactions to mold.
Can I remove white mold myself?
In most cases, yes. However, it is important to take precautions when working with any kind of mold as it can be hazardous if inhaled. Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles while cleaning up the mold and make sure the area is well ventilated.
Where does white mold come from?
There are many places where white mold can grow, including on food, in bathrooms, and in basements. It is important to keep your home clean and dry to help prevent the growth of white mold.
What kills white mold?
There are many different ways to kill white mold, including bleach, vinegar, and borax. It is important to read the product label before using any type of chemical to make sure it is safe for use around pets and children.
Is white mold dangerous?
In some cases, yes. If you are allergic to mold, exposure to white mold can cause respiratory problems, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. In people with asthma, exposure to mold can trigger an asthma attack. People with weakened immune systems may be at risk for more serious reactions to mold.
Conclusion
In conclusion, white mold is a type of mold that can grow in your home if there is too much moisture. It can cause health problems, so it’s important to get rid of it as soon as possible. You can do this by fixing any leaks, using a dehumidifier, and cleaning up any moldy areas with bleach.