Delicious Dairy or Hazardous Houseguest? Molds to Look Out for This Winter Season

While western Washington may be a wonderful place to live, there are some downsides to having a very damp climate. Although our wet weather is what gives us our lush, hike-able forests, the moisture and humidity also provide a prime environment for mold.

But why does mold get a bad rap? Sure it thrives in damp, dark places and isn't usually very pretty to look at. But aren't some molds good?

Let's take a look at what these fungi are and discuss the good and bad of mold as well as how some can negatively impact your health.

What is Mold?

There are more than 100,000 different species of mold, which is a type of fungus. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) describes molds as tiny microscopic organisms that feed on organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores.

Molds are important in nature since they help break down things like leaves or the wood of fallen tree branches. However, when they grow inside your home or workplace, they can begin breaking down materials essential to the structure.

Molds need moisture to begin growing, so when mold appears in places it is unwanted, there is likely some issue that has created extra dampness in a space, like a leak in your roof, a faulty pipe or a flood.

Good vs. Bad Molds

With more than 100,000 species of mold, it's no surprise that there are some that are harmful to our health and others that can be beneficial, including:

• Penicillium is a type of bread mold that is generally unsafe to consume on its own but can be used to produce penicillin, which is an antibiotic that helps fight bacterial infections.
• Molds used in cheesemaking, like blue cheese or Brie cheese, are not only safe to consume, but give cheeses their flavor profiles.
• Composting molds help break down organic matter in composting piles, helping to create fertilizers, soil and reduce waste.

There are two common types of mold that are generally bad for your health:

• Aspergillus mold is a food mold that can be harmless. However, some produce mycotoxins, which are toxins that can have a variety of adverse impacts on your health, including infection, poisoning, immune deficiency and even cancer.
• Cladosporium is the type of mold that can occur inside your home or workplace, thriving in damp areas. These molds are generally not dangerous, but their spores, when released into the air, can cause allergies and may worsen asthma symptoms.

When it comes to mold, it's important to play it safe in the home and with any foods you consume. You should keep an eye out for any substances that are black, green or dark in color or that have a musty odor. If you or a loved one begins experiencing unexplained coughing or sneezing at home, consider checking for mold.

What Should You Do About Mold?

If you find visible mold growing on your food, you should avoid consuming it and dispose of it right away as it can spread to other foods and surfaces.

For visible mold on surfaces in your home, the DOH suggests first determining if it is a small area (no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet) or a large area, which often requires a professional cleaning.

When cleaning a small area of mold, consider wearing a face mask to prevent inhalation of the mold spores along with gloves and eye protection.

Seal the area that's impacted by covering vents and open a window before you begin your cleanup. All moldy materials should be bagged in a sealable trash bag and placed outside in a garbage container immediately.

To clean moldy surfaces, wash with a mild detergent solution (laundry detergent and warm water) and allow to dry. Then apply a laundry or dishwasher detergent that contains borate to the impacted surface. Don't rinse this detergent off since it will help prevent mold growth.

Once the mold is removed, clean and wash the rest of the area or home, including floors, clothing and bed sheets. Be sure to check the impacted area regularly to ensure mold has not returned.