Understanding Mold: Bread Mold

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Take precaution with Mold.

Bread Mold

Bread mold is a common issue that most homeowners have come across, but it may be something that they do not entirely understand. How many times have you gone to make a sandwich to find that 3-day-old loaf of bread fuzzy and discolored? Mold is not a complex organism, but it can be dangerous.

1. Cause of Mold

The fungus does not discriminate between hot and cold climates. You may find moldy bread in your drawer, or you may even discover fridge mold. The truth is that mold is a living organism that enjoys cool temperatures in dark and damp spaces. While a drawer is not necessarily damp, bread does have enough moisture and nutrients to make this particular organism happy.

2. Avoiding Ingestion

Bread mold has been known to make people sick, and every level of precaution should be made when coming into contact with mold. While it is not necessarily deadly, people can be allergic to mold, and the taste and smell can make you vomit. It is true that some molds are poisonous, but mold on bread is likely harmless to your long-term health.

3. Basic Safety

Mold can create problems if ingested, so you may want to follow basic safety precautions if you have to handle it. First, don’t smell it because it may cause respiratory issues. Second, seal it in a plastic bag or leave it in the bread bag tied off. Third, if the mold came into contact with any surface, clean the area. Finally, check that the mold did not spread.

4. Treating Underlying or Spreading Conditions

While moldy bread is common, it is not always the source of fungus growth. It is possible that a leaky pipe behind your kitchen cabinets has caused the initial fungus which has now spread into your bread drawer. If you suspect that there may be a larger underlying issue, then you may want to contact a mold remediation specialist in the Hamilton, OH, area to clean and restore your home.

Bread mold is a common household problem and one that is typically independent of other issues. However, you should still take precautions to avoid potential illness.