Mold vs Mildew - What's the Difference?After spotting some signs of mold in your home, you may’ve stumbled upon the term “mildew” when searching for mold removal services or articles on how to deal with mold on your own. Now, you may wonder what mildew is and what the difference is between mold and mildew. In this guide, we’ll explore what both mold and mildew are, what differentiates them, and how to deal with each. Let’s get going! What is MoldMold, in the context of biology, refers to a type of fungus. Fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms that can be found in various environments. Mold is a specific type of fungus that typically grows in multicellular, filamentous structures known as hyphae. These hyphae can form a visible, fuzzy mass on surfaces, which is what we commonly recognize as mold in homes (like in the picture above). Mold can grow on a wide range of organic materials, such as wood, paper, fabric, and food. It thrives in environments with moisture and can be found both indoors and outdoors. While some molds are harmless, others can produce allergens, irritants, or mycotoxins that can be harmful to human health. What is MildewMildew is a type of mold, specifically a surface mold, that typically appears as a powdery or downy growth on materials like plants, fabrics, paper, or walls. It is also often associated with damp or humid conditions. Mildew can come in various colors, including white, gray, or black, and it can be unsightly and potentially damaging to the materials it grows on. Unlike other molds that penetrate the surface of the material they are growing on, mildew typically remains on the surface. It can be found indoors in areas with typically high humidity, such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens, as well as outdoors on plants, wood, and other surfaces exposed to moisture. Difference Between Mold and MildewAppearanceThe primary difference in the appearance of mold and mildew is their color and texture:
In summary, mold can come in a wider range of colors and has a fuzzy or slimy texture, while mildew is typically white or gray and has a powdery texture. Growth ConditionsNow, let’s go over their growth conditions, because they can easily vary:
Health RisksFinally, onto the most important aspect of both mold and mildew: how harmful can each of them be for your health? Here are some key things to note:
In summary, the key difference in terms of health risks is that certain molds, especially black mold, can produce mycotoxins that pose a greater health threat compared to mildew. Mildew is generally less harmful to health, although it can still cause allergic reactions in some individuals. How They Are RemovedThe post Mold vs Mildew – What’s the Difference? first appeared on Vetted Los Angeles Restorations. via Vetted Los Angeles Restorations https://ift.tt/VBGeSJp
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