Mildew is a pesky fungal growth that can have serious consequences if left untreated. While it's not the most dangerous of fungi, it can damage surfaces and cause health problems in some cases. So what exactly is mildew? What causes it? Is it dangerous? And how can you prevent it from taking over your home or business? Let’s take a look at the answers to these questions.
What is Mildew?
Mildew is an easily recognizable type of fungus that grows in warm, damp places. It often appears as a thin layer of white, gray, or black spots across surfaces. Mildew may start out as a small patch but can spread quickly if not treated properly. It is important to note that mildew is different from mold; mildew typically does not cause structural damage, whereas mold can be insidious and cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
Do I Have Mildew or Mold?
Mildew and mold are both types of fungus that can grow in damp areas of the home. While mildew is usually identified as a flat, gray or white substance that appears on walls and other surfaces, it is often seen in bathrooms and dark, humid places. Mold, on the other hand, is often black or green in color and may be caused by water damage or leaks. The best way to tell the difference is to look for the texture – mildew often appears to be powdery whereas mold has a fuzzy texture. You can also take note of how long it has been present, as mold will continue to grow with time while mildew generally does not.
What Causes Mildew?
Mildew needs two key ingredients to grow: moisture and organic material. When both are present on a surface for more than 24 hours, mildew will start growing. This often happens in bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, kitchens, and other areas where there may be leaks or high levels of humidity. Mildew can also develop on fabrics such as carpets and curtains if they are exposed to the right environment for long enough periods of time.
Is Mildew Dangerous?
In most cases, mildew isn’t particularly dangerous unless you’re allergic or have asthma or another respiratory issue. In those cases, exposure to mildew could trigger an allergic reaction or asthma attack. It’s also important to note that some types of black mildews produce toxins called mycotoxins which can be hazardous when inhaled over long periods of time. As such, it’s best to seek medical attention if you believe you have been exposed to large amounts of toxic black mildews over an extended period of time.
How Can You Prevent Mildew?
The key to preventing mildew is controlling moisture levels in your home or business premises. Make sure any leaks are fixed promptly and locate any potential sources of moisture like air conditioners or humidifiers so you can keep them under control too. Also make sure your HVAC systems are regularly checked for signs of water infiltration—you don't want condensation inside your ductwork!
Using dehumidifiers and fans in affected areas will help reduce the likelihood that mildew will appear in the first place by reducing humidity levels where possible. If you do find yourself dealing with existing mildews then removing them as soon as possible should be your top priority; this will help avoid further damage and minimize health risks associated with long-term exposure or chronic inhalation of mold spores/toxins produced by certain types of molds such as toxic black molds (Stachybotrys). With these tips in mind you should be able to keep your home free from unwanted guests like mildews!
All in all, mildew is an often preventable and treatable occurrence, but it can become dangerous to those with respiratory issues. Remember the tips provided today in order to get rid of mildew and keep your home safe: too much humidity can cause this fungal growth and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Investing in a dehumidifier or understanding the underlying cause of moisture levels could go a long way - quite literally!
The environmental impacts of mildew may not seem very important for some, especially if there are no allergy-related issues, but don’t forget that plants, gardens, furniture and more can all suffer from continued exposure to unwanted fungi, so preventative measures should still be taken. Knowing your home’s environmental impacts on both inhabitants and nonhuman beings alike is beneficial for everyone.
With this information about mildew at hand, you can visit your local hardware store, check out online tutorials or speak with knowledgeable staff to find solutions tailored to you!