What are the differences between mildew and mold? Read on to find out!
Mildew and mold are pretty common fungi that grow inside and outside of our homes. Even though they might seem harmless, when left unattended, they can cause certain health issues such as allergic reactions and also damage the structural integrity of your home. This is why you must remove them as soon as you spot them.
However, since there are numerous kinds of mildew and mold, it can get a bit difficult to differentiate between the two. You need to know how to differentiate between them so that you can effectively deal with them. Furthermore, you should know which one is more harmful and how to get rid of each type of fungi.
So, here are some major differences between mildew and mold:
What Is the Major Difference Between Mold and Mildew?
Mold is a type of fungus that has numerous varieties. It usually penetrates the porous surfaces that it grows on such as drywall and wood, which makes it pretty hard to get rid of completely. It also damages the structural integrity of your home as it spreads rapidly throughout the house. Some mold varieties are allergenic while some others are toxic such as black mold.
Mildew is a bit hard to spot due to its flat nature. However, it’s easier to clean than mold as it grows only on the surface of materials and doesn’t penetrate them. You can just blow it away or wipe it clean. It tends to grow on plants, grout, compost, and glass.
How Do Mold and Mildew Grow?
Mildew and mold grow under similar conditions; they both need moisture, dampness, darkness, and stale air to thrive. However, there are a few major differences between the two. Mold mostly grows indoors in areas with bad air circulation, excessive moisture, and limited light. Common places within a home where mold tends to grow include your attic, bathroom, and basement.
Mildew, on the other hand, usually grows on crops and plants in the garden. However, it can also grow indoors. It typically grows in seasons when the moisture level is at its peak and there’s very little sunlight.
Difference in Appearance
Mold and mildew have quite different appearances. Mildew has more of a powdery form than mold and it is white and gray. Moreover, it appears in tiny circular spots on plants and as it grows, it changes its hue and turns black. Mildew forms yellow spots, which eventually turn brown. Meanwhile, mold has more than a whopping 10,000 species and it usually appears in brown or green hues. Unlike mildew, it grows in fuzzy splotches.
Effects on Human Health
Prolonged exposure to mold spores might aggravate certain preexisting health conditions such as asthma. Also, toxic varieties of mold such as Stachybotrys chartarum or black mold can cause some serious health issues such as brain, intestinal, and lung damage, which eventually lead to neurotoxicity, respiratory damage, and pulmonary bleeding.
Meanwhile, mildew has limited and much milder effects on human health than mold. Exposure to mildew might lead to respiratory troubles such as breathing issues and common allergy symptoms such as headaches, coughing, wheezing, congestion, and skin irritation.
Due to the above-mentioned effects on human health, you must eradicate the mold and mildew growing in your house.
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