Have you noticed a musty smell when you go into your basement lately? Is your basement damp or been recently flooded? Basements are a prime growing ground for mold and if we don’t use our basements regularly, mold can easily get out of control before we know it is there. Mold can be dangerous to the health of your family and pets which makes it imperative to get mold removal done quickly; but before you panic, you need to understand the different types of mold that might be present in your basement.
White Mold- This type of mold is what is found on foods that go bad but it can also be present on waterlogged property in your basement. White mold doesn’t produce mycotoxins usually, but it is possible and can cause allergic reactions and some mild respiratory issues.
Black Mold- Black mold is what most people are afraid of finding in their basement because it is one of the most common types of mold and also one of the most dangerous to humans. Black mold releases mycotoxins which can cause a wide variety of negative and potentially serious side effects and health problems when ingested. Black mold found in basements is usually the Stachybotrys chart arum species and is commonly found on wood trim, carpet, and basement walls and ceilings. Professional mold removal is the best option for getting rid of black mold because of the health dangers and how the mold easily spreads upon disturbance.
Green Mold- Green mold is most likely found on rotting food, like white mold; however, when it is found in your basement it is usually the Cladosporium species. This kind of mold sometimes has mycotoxins but not all of the time and can travel through the air easily and allergic reactions are very common.
While black mold is the most harmful mold to find in your basement, professional mold removal services are always the best way to remediate mold correctly, especially for families with allergies or asthma.
Contact ServiceMaster for your Mold Removal
When you discover mold in your basement, call ServiceMaster of Pittsburgh at 412-826-1010.