First, the situation is nobody’s fault. We are conditioned to allow chronic white mold issues to go overlooked while we focus on clearing or cleaning black mold issues. Of course, we need mold remediation firms. They provide a valuable service. But so long as white mold issues are not the primary focus, we will continue to be plagued by chronic problems. Black mold dominates. If you look at insurance companies, mold remediation firms, mold-related advertising, real estate inspections, tenant-landlord disputes, lawsuits, plumbers, HVAC contractors, home builders, mold guidelines and standards, mold training and certifications, allergists, naturopaths, wellness coaches, mold testing, and mold products. You’ll see what I mean.

How do black mold and white mold issues differ?

Black mold issues generally occur in moist situations. Water wets organic material in our home and then, mold grows and spreads on these wet materials. We easily see when drywall or flooring is wet, just as we can easily see the resulting dark-colored black mold. Since the homeowner easily sees the issue, they typically leap into action and work to fix the problem right away. On the other hand, white mold issues generally occur when high humidity keeps an area just damp enough to enable mold to colonize certain materials in that zone of the house. That area stays humid during the same seasons year after year. Small spots of white mold spread and merge to create a mold “forest.” In this situation, it’s more difficult to see when an area is moist.

The lighter-colored white molds don’t register visually, either. Unnoticed and unaddressed, this chronic issue adversely affects the house and health. Unfortunately, chronic humidity-driven issues prove difficult for homeowners to address. From a leak in a dryer vent providing just enough moisture behind the dryer. To a bathroom exhaust that vents into the attic. These areas can remain just damp enough to allow a population of white mold to establish. And it will establish on almost every surface in that area. This can go unchecked for years. Often, humans simply cannot see white mold without the use of ultraviolet light. Because of this white molds can continue to spread and intensify. Without testing any potential mold one can not know the type, effect, or toxicity. This is true no matter if the mold is black, white, green, red or any color you could imagine.If you think you have a problem with mold contact me so that I can help!