Can you identify this? - Ask Extension
Images are of a vaping device under cell phone magnification. I have found this on several surfaces in my home. It grows quickly and seems to move eve...
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Can you identify this? #870282
Asked May 27, 2024, 2:32 PM EDT
Images are of a vaping device under cell phone magnification. I have found this on several surfaces in my home. It grows quickly and seems to move even..? Is it a fungus? If so, is it harmful?
Rockingham County Virginia
Expert Response
Hi Brandi,
It is difficult to diagnose based on the photos.
Typically, when you smell mustiness or see mold, you have it. So, if you think this is mold, we need to clean it using a cloth and soap and water. Then use a solution of no more than 1 cup of laundry bleach to 1 gallon of water.
I would also suggest purchasing a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in the home. Big box stores sometimes sell them as "weather stations" and they can be found for $20 or less. Excess moisture can cause mold growth, so investigating if you have an ac unit that isn't removing moisture or a leak (in roof, around windows or under sinks) that needs to be fixed is your next task.
I am attaching a link to the CDC website for a little more information on mold. https://www.cdc.gov/mold
Hope this is helpful.
It is difficult to diagnose based on the photos.
Typically, when you smell mustiness or see mold, you have it. So, if you think this is mold, we need to clean it using a cloth and soap and water. Then use a solution of no more than 1 cup of laundry bleach to 1 gallon of water.
I would also suggest purchasing a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in the home. Big box stores sometimes sell them as "weather stations" and they can be found for $20 or less. Excess moisture can cause mold growth, so investigating if you have an ac unit that isn't removing moisture or a leak (in roof, around windows or under sinks) that needs to be fixed is your next task.
I am attaching a link to the CDC website for a little more information on mold. https://www.cdc.gov/mold
Hope this is helpful.
