Mold and mildew: Take a quiz on these household toxins

Flood-damaged living room.

Chances are mold and mildew are lurking in your house. Look around your bathtub tiles or around the sink and you'll see the mildew hanging around. You could also possibly have mold hiding in your walls right now. Even if you do have a presence of mold in your home right now, you may not have enough or the right type of mold to make you sick. But how much do you really know about mold and mildew? Test your knowledge with this true or false quiz.

Number 1. Mold and mildew are fungi. A. True; mold and mildew are types of fungi that grow in moist areas. The presence of mold and mildew are not a reflection on a home's cleanliness. It just means that the environment is moist and ripe for the production of the fungi.

Number 2. Mold serves no purpose. A. False; mold species have a variety of beneficial uses. Mold feeds on decaying vegetation and adds nutrients to soil. Mold is used in penicillin, and is edible in some cheeses. Mold presents a problem when it begins to destroy organic material in the home.

Number 3. Surfaces need to be damp for seven days before mold can grow. A. False; mold can begin to form in as little time as 24 hours. That's why you should dry your shower stall and bathtub after every use. Keep the area dry around sinks and toilets as well.

Number 4. Mold can form as the result of water damage in the home. A. True; water damage is the primary cause of mold in the home. High humidity, leaking roofs and pipes, and flooding all can lead to the development of mold. Until the root cause is fixed, mold will continue to grow.

Number 5. The bathroom is the only room where mildew will grow. A. False; mildew can grow on towels, clothes, wood and paper. Cotton, linen, rayon, silk and wool are prone to mildew. That's why damp clothing or towels should be allowed to dry before being thrown into a hamper.

Fortunately, mold and mildew can be removed from most surfaces, and chances are no one will ever know that the mold or mildew was present.

Call now for more information. We will help you find and identify the problem, offer tips and cleaning options, and get you on your way to a healthier home.