Toxic Mold Damage: Quick Facts Part 1 | SERVPRO of Los Angeles

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Did these facts surprise you?

We are all too familiar with mold growth. We have all left a loaf of bread out for too long, or have not sealed a bag of cheese well, and have spotted bacterial growth - mold. In this case, mold very quickly forms as it is provided with the resources needed to encourage its development: a source of moisture, organic material, and space to grow. 

Our homes, in most cases, do not facilitate these same types of environments which allow for bacterial growth. For example, in a bathroom, while there is often an abundance of moisture, these rooms are constructed to prevent as much of that moisture from accessing organic materials, which often includes the use of tiles on walls, moisture barriers, special paints, etc. But this is not guaranteed. In fact, over the past year, about 80% of our mold mitigation losses have taken place in Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Laundry Rooms - all three areas providing the resources needed for bacterial growth. 

If you spot mold in your home, or have been presented with a new, unfamiliar odor, consider these facts:

1. Bleach is NOT a mold remediation agent - Bleach is 90% water. Rather than utilizing an antimicrobial agent to eliminate the bacteria, by applying bleach, you are providing it with the resources necessary to continue growing. 
2. Call a testing company early on - Odors, visible growths, etc. are all starting signs of bacterial growth. While you may be able to wipe away the surface bacterial growth, unless the area is properly treated, it will continue to come back. Mold Damage causes more than ½ a trillion dollars in damage a year, catch yours early! 

With hundreds of completed mold mitigation losses, SERVPRO of Park la Brea is comfortable calling ourselves professionals in the industry. Call us today for a free quote and inspection!