What Is White Mold?
White mold is a type of fungus that can grow on surfaces such as wood, concrete, or fabric. It typically appears as a white or gray fuzzy patch and though a frequent issue in households, doesn’t draw the same level of attention as the black mold. Although the dangers of black mold, particularly Stachybotrys, are widely known and feared, white molds should not be underestimated. Many species of mold also carry a range of health risks that require immediate attention.
Definition
The Sclerotinia sclerotiorum fungus is the perpetrator behind white mold, a common issue that plagues soybeans. Nevertheless, this menacing mildew can also spread to hundreds of plant species and organic materials.
From white-hued aspergillus to cladosporium and penicillum, mold species can be discovered in nearly all households. When initially forming, mold is usually white but can then evolve and change color after releasing spores. This means molds may also display various colors beyond the original shade. Given the material it nourishes on, white mold will remain a consistent hue of white throughout its lifecycle.
What Are Mold Spores?
Mold spores are reproductive structures produced by fungi. It can spread easily to other areas, making them a common concern for homeowners and businesses alike. White Mold spores may not always be visible to the naked eye, but their presence can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
What Causes White Mold?
Areas with high levels of humidity and warmth are the optimal conditions for white mold to develop. If moisture accumulates on a surface over time, it can create an environment in which this fungus thrives. Wood is the perfect breeding ground for mold due to its countless tiny pores and grooves, which can absorb and retain liquids. Drywall is another porous material that encourages mold growth.
Wood has a remarkable ability to reject liquid through the crevices on its surface – a capillary action. However, this method will only work if there is not too much moisture trapped inside the wood itself. By utilizing this process, any water that penetrates deeply into it can be successfully removed.
Yet, if the wood is kept moist for extended periods, it will reach a point where moisture can no longer be expelled from its core. This allows mold spores to seep into tiny pockets between pores and build colonies known as ‘hyphae’, signaling that conditions outside are suitable for their continued growth. Here’s how it works: To begin, mold emits countless minuscule spores into the atmosphere. These particles spread and settle on any surface that is subjected to them for a suitable amount of time. If this area contains moisture, then mold will start multiplying because it requires humidity for its growth and livelihood.
All sorts of mold colonies can sprout on wood if there is even the slightest level of moisture. This growth begins as minuscule spots and rapidly spreads throughout, a process scientifically referred to as ‘hyphae.’ When they become abundant, these molds have been known to exude toxic gases that present serious health risks for humans.
How To Identify White Mold?
Spotting white mold is not always easy, as it can appear in locations that are difficult to reach or see. Sometimes it can be identified by its grayish-white color and powdery texture. It usually appears in damp, dark areas such as basements or bathrooms and is often accompanied by a musty odor.
White mold can also be identified by observing its growth pattern, which tends to spread along walls and other surfaces, creating round spots and clumps.
To accurately determine the type of mold present, it is advisable to test the affected area first.
Can Mold be Identified by its Color?
It is generally not possible to identify mold by its color alone, as many different types of mold can be found in a variety of colors and textures. Mold typically grows in damp, dark environments and may exhibit a range of colors depending on the type and the conditions in which it develops. For example, black or green molds can form on wood, while white or grey molds may appear on surfaces like fabric or walls. Mold can also come in a range of different textures, such as slimy or fuzzy.
Nevertheless, the color helps us to eliminate certain types of mold. For example, Stachybotrys is always black and therefore if you find white mold on shoes it cannot be this type. The same can also be said for Chaetomium and some other varieties of molds as well.
Unfortunately, some molds such as Cladosporium and Penicillium/Aspergillus come in a range of colors. Its spores can be present in hues from white or green to dark brown and even black. Considering that the color of mold cannot be used to precisely determine its type, a sample must be gathered and sent for laboratory analysis to accurately identify the species of mold.
The only safe way to accurately determine the type of mold is by a mold test.
Difference Between White Mold and Efflorescence
While white mold and efflorescence may often appear as similar patches on surfaces such as wood, concrete, or fabric, there are some key differences between these two types of fungi.
Efflorescence is a deposit of minerals that often appears as a powdery residue on building materials. When water seeps through a masonry structure, it brings with it unbounded salts that rise to the surface. After this moisture evaporates, what remains is often a white and fluffy residue; though harmless, it can be easily mistaken for white mold growth. Furthermore, a water mist can dissolve efflorescence but it will not have the same effect on mold growth.
White mold is a resilient organism that can survive anywhere the conditions allow it to flourish. Typical areas you may find this fungus include ceilings, walls in basements, wood, fabric or crawlspaces attached to homes.
To differentiate efflorescence from other white molds, it is important to note that this phenomenon only appears on concrete, brick, or other masonry structures. If you come across a whitish mold-like substance in drywall or wood materials, then chances are that what you’re seeing isn’t efflorescence and can be easily ruled out. While not always reliable, the scent of mustiness is an additional signal that mold growth may be present. Unlike efflorescence which does not produce a smell, any form of fungal development often emits an unpleasant odor.
While the outward appearance of these two issues may be similar, it is important to understand their distinct properties to effectively treat them. If you are concerned about white mold in your home or workplace, it is best to consult a licensed professional for treatment and removal.