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Many homeowners are aware of the dangers of black mold, but as it turns out, pink mold isn’t as harmless as its name might suggest.
What is pink mold and where can it show up?
Aureobasidium, or pink mold, can grow pretty much everywhere. Just like other molds, it loves moisture, but you can find it both indoors and outdoors. Very recently, we’ve witnessed several occurrences of pink mold developing on the lumber used in newly constructed homes. It also develops between floor tiles and in showers and bathtubs, and it’s not uncommon to see it on wallpaper, behind mirrors and in cabinets, and in carpets, as well, especially those in the bathroom.
Health Concerns from pink mold
You need to remove pink mold immediately to protect your health. Actually, any kind of mold can lead to various health concerns, but pink mold, in particular, can cause allergic reactions — you may break out in a rash and hives and you may also develop some respiratory problems; pink mold can even cause infections, inflammation, and bleeding in the lungs.
Not everyone is equally susceptible to pink mold! Pink mold can affect every person out there, just not quite the same. The most susceptible for more serious problems though, affects the elderly and infants. As far as pets go, pink mold can affect them too — some of them might accidentally eat some of it or otherwise get exposed to it.
You should have pink mold removed as soon as possible because the risk could be too big to ignore.
How do you prevent pink mold?
One thing most people do , and one of the worst things you can do after you get out of the shower is to close the bathroom door. Always leave your bathroom open for a minimum of 15 minutes so no moisture gets trapped inside. Another culprit is leftover shampoo and soap is basically food for pink mold, so removing the residue once you get out of the shower will help.
Stale air and stagnant water is a fine friend of pink mold latching on to broken and leaky pipes, providing the perfect conditions for abundant mold growth. Periodically, check for broken or leaky pipes. Turn your bathroom fan on if it vents outside — and dry off any surface moisture and liquid left behind.
Carpets and rugs are the main culprits of mold growth in bathrooms. These create an excellent breeding ground for pink mold, which is why you ought to either remove all of them or wash them often. Make sure they are dried thoroughly after each wash too.
Removing pink or any kind of mold
Any type of mold is not that easy to remove. Some disinfectants such as a bleach solution will work somewhat on a non-porous surface, but on any surface such as wallpaper, drywall or anything made of wood will be pretty much impossible to totally remove.
Proper removal and prevention is crucial when remediating mold. Handling mold can be extremely dangerous without the proper gear including safety gloves, a mold-approved mask and PPE suit, and some goggles. Don’t risk your health! Because biocides and other sanitizing methods are used by professionals, you should call the trained professionals at Restoration 1 Central Maryland for Mold Remediation. We will arrive to assess the situation and give you remediation options.