Many people often ask about the differences between mold and mildew. Although mold and mildew are both a type of fungus, there are major differences that set them apart from each other.
Appearance
Mold typically has a fuzzy, soft appearance that can materialize in a wide range of colors, including black, green, brown, blue, gray, white, and yellow.
In contrast, mildew appears downy or powdery and typically grows in a flat pattern. It usually starts out white in color and can often change into another color such as black, yellow or brown. Mildew that is downy usually starts out yellow and turns brown later.
Problems
Mold can cause extensive structural damage to your home over time. It also poses a number of health risks. Some of these risks include:
- Migraines
- Joint pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Allergic reactions
- Difficulty breathing
- Inflammation of joints
- Changes in mental status
Mildew doesn’t pose as many health risks as mold but can still cause migraines and difficulty breathing. It can also cause excessive damage to crops and plants.
Benefits
Some forms of mold are important to the production of food. Cheese is known for production through the use of mold. Some forms of mold make medications such as penicillin. Unfortunately, there are no benefits of mildew.
Bad vs. Good
Although there are forms of mold used to produce food and medicine, you have to pay close attention to mold that is growing inside of your home. This type of mold, commonly referred to as black mold, is the type that can cause serious health risks and structural damage to your home.
If you notice mold growing inside your home, you may need to contact a professional. A mold remediation company will remove your mold infestation and improve the air quality in your home.