News

Jul 25, 2023

Is Mold in a Hotel Room Dangerous? What You Need to Know

“ GOOD Home ” is a biweekly sponsored column published in partnership with PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield about home safety, maintenance, weather preparedness, and damage prevention , with the goal

“GOOD Home” is a biweekly sponsored column published in partnership with PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield about home safety, maintenance, weather preparedness, and damage prevention, with the goal to save homeowners from the hassle and headaches of severe property damage. Located in south Wilton (24 Danbury Rd., Suite 204), PuroClean provides 24/7 water damage remediation, fire and smoke restoration, and mold and biohazard removal services to the Fairfield County community and across southwest CT and Northeastern Westchester County.

Summertime means summer vacation for many in our area. When you enter a hotel room, you want to relax and unwind. The last thing on your mind is whether or not there is mold. However, it is important to question, “Is mold in a hotel room dangerous?” Unfortunately, if your hotel room is not properly maintained and cleaned, mold may be an unexpected guest that you can encounter. Mold is not only unsightly, but it can lead to serious health-related issues if left untreated.

Mold in hotel rooms can result from the same issues that can cause it to develop in our homes. The main leading causes are excess moisture levels in materials, water damage, and warm and damp areas. The significant changeovers and constant occupancy changes of the rooms make it difficult to keep control of the conditions in which this fungal growth thrives. These hazards compound the situation and add to the hotel’s health risks. Frequent travelers may have encountered these conditions in rooms they have stayed in. Fungal growth is common not only in budget hotels due to a lack of cleaning and maintenance, but it can also occur in upscale luxury hotels. No hotel is safe from the perils of mold.

Mold is a fungus that grows in warm, damp, and humid environments. It thrives in moist conditions and can be found both indoors and outdoors. Mold is made up of tiny, airborne spores, and when they land on a damp surface, they can begin to grow and spread.

Mold can come in various colors, including black, green, yellow, and white. It can grow on different surfaces, including wood, drywall, carpet, and food. Mold can also produce a musty odor, which can indicate its presence. Alternaria is a common mold that can grow underneath bathtubs, around showers, and leaking sinks. It is often the result of water damage or a leak that has gone undetected. Alternaria can cause allergies and asthma.

Another type of mold that is common in hotel rooms and common areas is Acremonium, which is a common type of mold found in hotel systems such as cooling coils, humidifiers, and drain pans of air handling systems. It starts as a moist spore but changes into a fine powder and may be white, orange, grey, or pink.

Other types of mold occur in and around air conditioning and HVAC systems.

There are a number of species of black mold, such as Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys chartarum, which are some of the most dangerous types of mold that are commonly found in water-damaged structures. Black mold is highly toxic and causes many symptoms and illnesses, including headaches, bleeding lungs, skin rashes, respiratory problems, memory loss, and fatigue.

However, green mold is less dangerous but can still be a health hazard. It is known as Penicillium and is most commonly found in cold environments, such as soil but can be found in wet areas.

Yes, and the best solution here is to know how to identify mold so that you can report it to the hotel management. A moldy hotel room can be a problem for several reasons, especially if the stay is long-term, leading to long-term exposure.

The dangerous fungus can trigger adverse side effects in people, such as respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma. Mold can lead to declining health for individuals with pre-existing conditions or compromised immune systems.

The consequences of mold don’t just impact human health. They can also affect the structural integrity of buildings if left unchecked, leading to potential safety hazards. These hazards include splintering and decaying wood, weakened walls or ceilings, and even the noticeable discoloration of walls.

Carpeted floors can also hide a mold problem that often isn’t detected promptly. Moisture can accumulate underneath and result in mold spreading. Additionally, commercial-grade air conditioning systems create room humidity differences prone to dampness.

It should come as no surprise that mold is a financial burden to hotel owners, as it is difficult and costly to remove. Mold can also be a public relations issue that negatively impacts a hotel’s reputation and guest satisfaction. Unhappy guests can mean negative reviews and a decline in future bookings. Hoteliers should conduct frequent cleanings and inspections to ensure mold is not an issue.

Start your hotel stay by inspecting the room. Check the bathroom for any unusual smells, colors, and excess moisture. Report anything you find to the front desk and ask them to repair it promptly or request a room change.

Mold will undoubtedly leave a sour taste in guests’ mouths and damage property, leading to costly repairs and renovations. Here are some signs of mold damage that can enable hotel guests and staff to be on alert:

If you suspect your hotel room has mold damage, don’t wait to inform the hotel staff and management. Let them know immediately, so they can take the appropriate action to address and resolve the issue.

Hotels should be a clean and inviting environment for all guests to enjoy peacefully and without worry. Mold doesn’t have to be a problem if hotels do the following:

Ultimately, hotels should proactively identify and address the causes of mold growth in their rooms to prevent health risks and property damage.

While mold is one of the most unacceptable situations when it comes to sleeping conditions, it is not the only one. Hotel guests should also look for other unacceptable conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.

While you may not get the same rest in a hotel room as you would in your home, too many disturbances will leave you feeling unsteady the following day. Inform your hotel’s staff or front desk immediately to address any issue that kept you up so you can have a comfortable stay.

Don’t let a mold problem fester in your hotel. Contact a professional certified mold remediation company immediately to resolve the issue without breaking business and the bank. PuroClean is the trusted leader in mold removal, offering top-notch services and solutions to help hotels identify and remove mold quickly and safely. Our experienced technicians can assess the situation and provide an effective solution tailored to your hotel’s needs.

Please reach out to us today to learn more about our mold removal services and how we can help protect your hotel from mold growth. With PuroClean, you can rest assured that your hotel is in good hands. To reach our team 24/7, please call 475.277.2400, email us or visit us online. Also check out our socials: Linkedin, Facebook, or Instagram.