3 Common FAQs About Mold in the Workplace

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Mold FAQs

When you discover mold at your East Natick, RI, business, you might be alarmed about the possible damage it might have already done. Mold growth can affect drywall, carpeting and your building’s HVAC system and sometimes grow out of sight until its musty odor alerts you to its presence. Calling in a professional mold mitigation and removal service can help you eradicate the mold, and there are a few questions you can ask before the process begins.

1. What Causes Mold?

There are usually two main factors that cause mold to grow: high humidity and moisture. For example, a toilet overflow in the employee restroom that was not cleaned up properly might cause mold to grow behind a toilet or a leak in your HVAC system might allow warm air to seep in and create a humid environment there. Floods and leaks are usually the catalysts for mold growth.

2. Are There Different Types of Mold?

While there are several dozen different types of mold, the one that usually follows water damage is black mold, so-called because of its dark green or blackish color. This mold is prolific and can grow as soon as 24 hours after standing water is allowed to stagnate in a flooded area. You might see it on drywall, paper documents and stored office furniture. If you recognize this type of mold, it is wise to seal off the area until professional help arrives.

3. Why Does Mold Smell?

Mold gives off an odor because as the spores attach to moist areas and begin to eat and grow, they give off a waste product called mycotoxins. This creates a musty odor, which smells like wet dirty laundry, you might associate with fungi growth. Your mold removal and restoration team can help you pinpoint the source if you can smell the problem but cannot see it.
When mold growth affects your East Natick, RI, business, knowing where to begin with cleanup efforts can be a challenge. However, when you know which questions to ask, you may feel more confident about the outcome.