Clearing the Air: Can Air Purifiers Help with Mold?

5/25/2023 (Permalink)

Ensuring you have indoor air quality to keep your home safe from mold damage.

Mold is a common problem in many homes and can cause a variety of damages to your property. It thrives in damp and humid environments, making it a persistent problem in areas with high humidity levels or water damage. Many people turn to air purifiers as a potential solution to combat mold growth and improve indoor air quality. But do air purifiers really help with mold? Let's explore this topic in more detail.

Understanding Mold and Its Dangers

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. It can be found both indoors and outdoors, and there are many different species of mold, some of which are more harmful than others. Mold reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can then settle on surfaces and grow into new colonies.

Mold needs moisture to grow, and it can thrive in areas with high humidity levels, leaks, or water damage. Common areas where mold can be found in homes include basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and areas with poor ventilation. Mold can produce a musty odor, and visible signs of mold growth include discoloration, black spots, and fuzzy or slimy textures on surfaces.

Air Purifiers and Their Role in Mold Prevention

Air purifiers are devices designed to remove airborne contaminants from the indoor air, including particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and mold spores. They work by drawing air through a filter or other purification technology, trapping particles, and then releasing clean air back into the room. Air purifiers come in various types, such as mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, UV-C purifiers, and ozone generators, among others.

So, can air purifiers really help with mold? The answer is yes and no. While air purifiers can be effective at capturing mold spores from the air, they are not a complete solution for mold remediation. Air purifiers can help prevent mold spores from circulating in the air, reducing the overall mold spore count and improving indoor air quality. 

Air purifiers can also help in preventing mold growth in certain situations. For example, if you live in an area with high outdoor mold spore counts, an air purifier with a HEPA filter can capture these spores and prevent them from entering your home. Additionally, if you have a mold allergy, an air purifier can reduce your exposure to mold spores and help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Additional Tips for Mold Prevention

In addition to using an air purifier, there are other steps you can take to prevent mold growth in your home having proper ventilation. Ensure that your home has proper ventilation in all areas, including bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Use exhaust fans or open windows to allow moisture to escape. Regularly clean and dry surfaces prone to mold growth, such as shower curtains, windowsills, and other areas with condensation.

Air purifiers can be a helpful tool in improving indoor air quality and reducing mold spores in the air. However, they are not a substitute for addressing the root cause of mold growth, which is moisture. To effectively prevent mold, it's crucial to control humidity levels, improve ventilation, and promptly clean up any mold growth. If you have a mold problem in your home, it's best to consult with a professional mold remediation service to identify and address the issue at its source.

Why SERVPRO is the Best Choice for Rebuilding After a Fire

4/22/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for your fire and water restoration emergency.

Fire and water damage are two of the most common types of damage that a home can suffer. While they can be completely different, they often occur together as well. When this happens, it's important to understand how each type of damage works so you can find the best way to handle both issues.

Fire Damage

A fire is an uncontrolled chemical reaction that releases heat and light energy in addition to smoke and gases such as carbon monoxide (CO). The heat causes materials in your home such as wood or carpeting; plastics like PVC pipes; fabrics like curtains or clothing; paper products like books or magazines--anything flammable will burn if it touches flames long enough! This means anything from furniture pieces up through entire buildings could potentially be damaged by fire if left unattended for too long without proper cleanup procedures being followed afterwards.

Effects of Fire Damage

If you have been affected by a fire, SERVPRO of Portland can help. We are the leading provider of fire and water damage restoration services in the region. Our teams are highly trained and experienced in restoring your home or business back to normal after it has been damaged by fire, smoke and soot damage, structural damage and fire suppression systems.

We understand that this is an overwhelming time for you as a homeowner or business owner. You may not know where to start or who will be able to help you with these repairs but don't worry!

Fire Damage and Water Damage Combined

Fire and water damage combined can be a particularly difficult situation. Structural repairs are more costly when they're combined with water damage, and the cleanup process can take longer than usual due to the need for drying out your home's structure.

If you have experienced this kind of combination, SERVPRO is here to help! We have a team of experts who understand both fire and water damage restoration so that you don't have to worry about it anymore!

Preventing Fire Damage

The first step to preventing fire damage is to install a fire alarm system. This can be as simple as a smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide detector in your home, but it's important to have one installed in every room of your house. If you're renting, ask the landlord if they have an existing system or if they will install one for you.

Next up, Fire extinguishers! You should have at least one on hand at all times, preferably more than one so that it's easy for everyone in the house who uses them (such as children) to access them quickly when needed. They should be located near exits or other areas where fires are likely to start.

Preventing Water Damage

Check for leaks. If you have a water heater, check and make sure that it's not leaking.

Use waterproofing products. You can also use waterproofing products to protect the areas around your home that are susceptible to water damage, such as basements or crawlspaces.

Install sump pumps in the event of flooding or high rainfall amounts so that any excess water can be pumped out of your property before it has time to seep into walls and floors through cracks in foundations or foundation walls (which is what causes mold growth).

Insurance Coverage

If you're like most people, you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy. If your home is damaged by fire, this will pay for the cost of repairing the damage. However, there are limitations on what types of losses are covered and how much money can be claimed from your policy.

What I need to know about drying important documents

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

Drying documents can be hard, give SERVPRO a call for professional assistance.

Water damage is one of the most common causes of lost or damaged documents, and it can cause serious problems if not handled properly. The best way to protect your valuable documents from water damage is to take proactive measures to prevent them from getting wet in the first place. If you're lucky enough that your valuable documents have already been exposed to water without causing any harm, then this article will help guide you through the steps necessary for drying them out safely at home or sending them off for professional treatment.

How do I know if my document is water damaged?

Check for physical damage. The most obvious sign of water damage is if your document has been torn or ripped in places, especially along the edges. This can happen when pieces of paper stick together when wet and then separate when they dry out.

Look for discoloration and mold. If there are stains on the surface of your important papers, it may be caused by moisture seeping into them from the outside (i.e., rain) or within (i.e., humidity). Also check for discoloration along with any other signs of mold growth.

Check for odor. If your documents smell musty or damp after being stored away from direct sunlight/heat sources such as windowsills or radiators

What happens if I don't dry my documents?

If you're not careful, water damage can cause a number of problems with your documents. These include:

• Mold and mold spores--Mold can grow on wet paper.
• Ink running--When ink runs, the words become illegible and may be impossible to read later on. This is especially problematic for handwritten documents where the ink will run into other parts of the page as well as overtop any other writing that might be present there already.
• Paper swelling--Swelling occurs when moisture gets trapped between layers within your document or book as well as between pages themselves (especially when there's no protective cover). The swelling will result in warping or curling which makes reading difficult if not impossible altogether.

How can I tell if my documents are in danger of being damaged by water?

Before you can decide what to do with your wet documents, you need to know the cause of the damage. Water damage can be caused by a number of things, A flood or leak in your home or office building (including fire sprinklers). A burst pipe or broken water main in your home or office building. Flooding due to heavy rain or snow melt.

If this is not clear from looking at your documents, contact a professional who can help identify whether they have been damaged by water and what steps should be taken next.

My document is water damaged, what should I do next?

You should first try to dry the document by laying it flat and in a cool, dry place. Letting the document sit in direct sunlight can also help to speed up the process. If this doesn't work and your important documents are still too wet to be handled safely, try using a dehumidifier or vacuum cleaner. A fan can also be used to speed up drying time, but make sure that it isn't blowing directly on your documents! Once your papers have been dried out properly, store them in an airtight container until they're ready for normal use again (or until you need them).

When will my document be completely dry?

The drying time will depend on the type of paper and your drying method. Paper towels are generally much faster than blotting with a cloth or tissue, but they also tend to leave behind more lint.

If you're in a hurry and don't want to wait for your document to dry naturally, consider using a hair dryer or fan instead of air conditioning--both methods work equally well for most documents (and both use less energy). If possible, though, try not to expose important documents directly into any direct sunlight because UV light can cause fading over time.

You may also want to consider using an electric dehumidifier if possible, these machines remove moisture from the air around them so that it doesn't reach dangerous levels within enclosed spaces like closets or drawers where sensitive materials are stored away from direct contact with human hands.

Drying your documents can be a daunting task. However, it is important to remember that if you act quickly and properly, the damage may not be as bad as you think it will be. Give SERVPRO a Portland a call to assist in your document drying process after a water loss.

Risks of Poor Fire Clean Up Job

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

After facing a fire, SERVPRO of Portland is available 24/7

When you have a fire, you want it cleaned up quickly and efficiently. However, depending on the cause of the fire and its extent, professional help may be needed to ensure that smoke damage is minimized as much as possible. If you choose to clean up after your own fire damage or hire someone who doesn't know what they're doing, then you could end up making things worse than they already are!

Damages are not always visible

It's possible that the damage to your home may not be visible to the naked eye.

Smoke damage can leave your structure of your home damaged. Structure damage includes walls, ceilings and floors. It can cause odor problems from mold growth caused by moisture trapped in porous materials like drywall or wood paneling and furniture.

Professional help

Smoke contains many harmful chemicals. Some of these chemicals are toxic and require professional experience and equipment for adequate cleanup. A small amount of smoke can be dangerous. If you don't know how to clean up after a fire yourself, hire a professional who does know how to do so safely.

If the smoke is not cleaned up correctly, it can become permanent. Smoke odor damages property value by devaluing homes on the market or even reducing their resale value after moving out of them due to poor air quality caused by fire cleanup jobs gone wrong.

Done right the first time

It is important to hire a professional fire damage clean up company to ensurer the job is done right the first time. If you don't, your home could be at risk of further damage and secondary damages. A good company like SERVPRO of Portland will have the experience and expertise in this type of work to ensure a job well done.

Poor fire damage clean up jobs can result in long-lasting damage

The first step in restoring your home after a fire is removing the smoke odor. The second step is removing any fire damage that may have occurred to your property, including drywall and other building materials. The third step involves making sure there's no mold growth on or around anything that was damaged by water or smoke during cleanup efforts. Finally, you need to make sure all of your belongings are safe and secure while they're being cleaned up by professional contractors who know what they're doing!

If these steps aren't taken properly, then long-lasting damage could result - which means more money down the line when it comes time for repairs or replacement costs because everything needs fixing again after being exposed so long without proper care being taken previously.

If you are facing the aftermath of a fire, it is important to remember that there are lasting risks involved. Poor fire damage clean up jobs can result in long-lasting damage if not handled by professionals. The best way to avoid these problems is by hiring experts like SERVPRO of Portland who know how to handle this type of job and ensure all areas are clean before leaving your home or business premises.

SERVPRO of Biddeford- Saco is Hiring- Restoration Team Supervisor

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

WE ARE HIRING!

SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco is hiring for a Restoration Team Supervisor. In this position, you will be making a difference each and every day. We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened”!

• Explain processes and answer customer questions, as needed
• Monitor, communicate, and respond to customer needs/concerns to ensure customer needs are met
• Communicate clear expectations to Production Technicians and supervise their activities
• Perform production processes as scheduled and ensure quality control
• Identify safety hazards, communicate, and establish control measures to ensure the safety of occupants and workers
• Resolve problems quickly as they arise
• Manage job file documentation to ensure complete and accurate project details
• Manage and control costs of production projects
• Manage assets by protecting and using equipment and materials properly
• Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse, and office areas
• Perform sales and marketing activities, including add-on sales and security checks

• Effective written and oral communication
• Experience in cleaning/restoration preferred
• High school diploma/GED
• IICRC certifications preferred
• Ability to travel locally or out of state when necessary

• Ability to regularly lift 50 pounds and ability to lift up to 100 pounds with assistance
• Exposure to chemicals
• Walking and standing for long periods of time, driving, sitting, climbing,
• Ability to climb ladders and work at ceiling heights
• Ability to work in tight spaces (e.g., crawls spaces under buildings)
• Repetitive pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying objects

Handling a Flood in Your Home

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

If your home has been exposed to floodwater, you'll want to get rid of the excess moisture as soon as possible.

Flooding in your home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. It is important to take immediate action to minimize damage and protect your family's safety. The following steps will guide you on how to handle a flood in your home, including emergency measures to take immediately, how to safely evacuate your home, and steps to take to begin the cleanup and restoration process. Here are some tips for handling this situation:

Turn Off the Source

If you have a water leak, turn off the main water valve. To do this, shut off the lever on top of your meter box or find the main water valve in your house. If you don't know where it is, call a professional to help.

Determine the Category of Water

When water damage occurs, it’s important to determine the category of water that is causing the problem. This will help you know what action steps to take and will also ensure that you receive a proper insurance claim. 

There are three main categories of water, each with different characteristics and potential risks. 

?     Category 1: "Clean Water" refers to water that is from a sanitary source such as a broken pipe or faucet. 

?     Category 2: "Gray Water" refers to water that is contaminated with chemicals, microorganisms, or other physical or chemical contaminants. 

?     Category 3: "Black Water" refers to water that is highly contaminated and poses a significant risk. Examples include water from floods, sewage backups, and toilet overflow with feces.

Unplug

Electrical appliances such as TVs and computer monitors are likely to have circuits damaged by water, so it is important to unplug them immediately or turn them off if they do not have a power switch. If you have the ability to turn the power off to a certain area, that might also be a good idea.

Remove the Standing Water

If water is standing in your home, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it. If you don't have a wet/dry vacuum or don't want to use one, you can pump the standing water out of your home.

Mop up the remaining standing water on floors, countertops, and other surfaces with towels and mops. Remove all loose items from these areas first so that they do not become damaged by the mop or towel.

This portion of the job is best left to the experts at SERVPRO of Portland, South Portland, and The Sebago Lake Region. We are the experts and can get your Portland home dried out efficiently and effectively.

Use a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are a great way to remove moisture from your home. They’re ideal for removing water that has been brought into your residence from either flooding or from a broken pipe or sink.

Dehumidifiers work by taking in air and expelling it through a filter that extracts the moisture from it. This process releases warm air and can make you feel more comfortable during cold weather months.

Dehumidifiers are also useful against mold growth, which can be caused by high humidity levels in your home such as those found after flood damage or rain leaks through roofs, windows, and doors (source). So if you’ve been affected by flooding, using one of these devices will help you deal with the aftermath quickly and effectively! 

Use Fans

If your home has been exposed to floodwater, you'll want to get rid of the excess moisture as soon as possible. The fastest way to do this is by using fans. Fans can be used to dry out your home, circulate air, and prevent mold growth after you experience water damage.

If you ever get water damage in your home, it is important to stop the source, assess the damage, and document it. SERVPRO can help you the moment you notice water entering your home or business. Give us a call at the first sign of water damage, and we will be Here to Help.

4 Steps To Emergency Preparedness For Any Disaster

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to have a team assist you in putting together an Emergency Response Plan.

4 Steps To Emergency Preparedness For Any Disaster

When disaster strikes, the last thing you want to do is scramble to come up with a plan. In this article, we'll show you how to create an emergency plan so that when disaster strikes, you can be prepared.

Every building needs an emergency plan in case of disaster.

Emergency preparedness plans are essential for every building, from homes to businesses. Unfortunately, many people do not have an emergency plan and find themselves scrambling in a disaster situation. If you are looking for ways to prepare yourself or your family or employees for any disaster, we have five steps you can take to ensure that everyone is safe during a crisis.

You’ve already done the first step, which was to make sure your building has a disaster plan in place. Now it's time to create an emergency plan for your facility that includes all of the different types of emergencies you may face. This will help you prepare for any situation and keep everyone on your staff safe from harm.

1. Know your risks 

Before you can prepare for an emergency, you need to know your risks. Your risk assessment should include:

• Identifying the risks to your building and occupants
• Listing the risks in order of importance (the most severe being first)
• Identifying vulnerabilities that could affect you and identifying ways to mitigate them

2. Build a team

It is important to have a team assist you in putting together an Emergency Response Plan. If you have ever tried to do anything alone, you know it can be a challenge. The same is true for emergency preparedness. No single person has the time, knowledge or skills to respond effectively to all disasters. By building a team of friends, family, or employees you can cover each others' weaknesses and strengths, making for a more effective team overall.

The best way to do this is by creating a team made up of different people who have specific skills and expertise—for example:

• First responder
• Security personnel
• Facilities manager/supervisor(s)

3. Make critical information quickly accessible

When a natural disaster or emergency strikes, communication is crucial for keeping your employees informed, safe and on board with your business recovery plan. When an event happens that impacts your business, let people know where to turn for answers. A critical part of being informed is finding out exactly what information you should be looking for and where to find it. If a company has a crisis plan, make sure that everyone knows where it is placed in the office.

4. Test the plan 

Testing your plan is essential for making sure it works. There are many ways to do this, but the most important thing is to make sure you test with real people and real equipment. You can't rely on a Google search or YouTube video to tell you if your plan will work in an emergency situation. Having regular emergency drills with your employees will give you a chance to test your plan as well as give your employees the opportunity to learn the plan first-hand. 

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to put your plan into action. Remember that this is a living document, so be sure to test it regularly and add new information as needed. Also remember that this isn’t just about making sure you have an emergency kit—it’s about being prepared for whatever comes your way!

What to do if Ceiling has Wet Stains?

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

If you've got a wet spot on your ceiling that's not mold, you'll want to do everything in your power to get rid of it as fast as possible.

What to do if Ceiling has Wet Stains?

There are a variety of reasons your Portland, ME home has wet ceilings. Sometimes there might be water damage from a leaky roof, other times it could be condensation buildup caused by poor insulation or air circulation. It may look like nothing at first glance, but if left unchecked it can lead to serious problems over time. We want to help you better understand how to identify wet stains on ceilings and what action is appropriate depending on their cause.

Determine the source of the leak.

Water stains on your ceiling could indicate that there's a leak somewhere in your home. Leaks can be caused by a variety of things, including plumbing issues, roof problems, and leaks in the walls.

When faced with this situation, first determine the source of the leak. If there is water dripping from above, check for cracks or holes in your roof where rain could be entering; if there are no holes in your roof but water is still leaking through onto your ceiling, look for leaks in plumbing pipes that run through your attic and into your house below. After determining whether or not there are any obvious sources of water coming from above, clean up what has already spilled and make sure to dry out as much moisture as possible before moving on to step two: stopping further leaks and preventing future ones from happening again!

Fix the leak.

If you have a leak in your ceiling, this is the next step to take. If you don't fix the leak, more water will get into your home and damage your ceiling. You may need to call in a professional if you aren't sure how to fix it or if it requires expensive materials. 

Dry out water from the ceiling.

If you've got a wet spot on your ceiling that's not mold, you'll want to do everything in your power to get rid of it as fast as possible. First, use fans and other ventilation methods to dry out the ceiling. If the stain is large and there's plenty of water damage, hire a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Portland.

Water stains on ceiling can be caused by a variety of things.

The best thing you can do if you discover water stains on your ceiling is to locate the source of the leak as soon as possible, and then stop it. The source of the leak may be a fairly straightforward issue to fix, or it may be more complicated, such as replacing an old roof or repairing a broken pipe.

Whatever you decide to do about your water stains on the ceiling in order to prevent further damage, it’s important that you act quickly before too much damage has been done and before any mold starts growing in your home.

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the problem of wet stains on the ceiling and what to do about it. If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact SERVPRO of Portland and we will be happy to assist you with whatever questions you may have.

Content cleaning and fire damage

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you need Odor Removal and Deodorization call SERVPRO.

Cleaning of the contents and fire damage

A home fire is devastating, and it doesn't help that you can't even think about cleaning up until the smell of smoke has been dealt with. I know it can be hard to imagine, but there are things you can do to restore your clothing and other belongings. In this article, we'll explore the options for cleaning clothes after a fire, including professional dry-cleaning and content cleaning (home remedies). We'll also talk about how to remove odors from soiled items that may not be salvageable through washing alone.

Not all items are unsalvageable 

The first thing to remember about cleaning clothes after a fire is that you have options. If the damage is minor, you can attempt to clean it yourself. If the clothes are soiled by water or smoke inhalation, professional cleaning may be necessary.

While all these methods can remove fire-related odors from clothing:

• Dry cleaning - The most expensive method, but also one of the most effective for removing smoke smells. It's best if you take your clothing directly to a dry cleaner instead of trying this at home because they'll know how best to treat each material type (and won't lose their license).
• Ultrasonic cleaning - This uses high-frequency sound waves that break up dirt and grime so they can be rinsed away with water during washing machine use; it's also an excellent option for soaking garments that aren't safe for dry cleaning or steam pressing (such as leather).
• Steam pressing - You'll want a professional pressing service rather than trying this at home—if done improperly by an amateur, hot steam could damage delicate fabrics like silk or wool!

Removing smoke odor from clothing can be expensive or impossible.

While it is possible to remove smoke odor from clothing and other non-porous items, such as linens, carpets and upholstery, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of smoke odor removal in the future.

1. Vacuum your home thoroughly each day. This will help remove any loose particulate matter that would otherwise settle on furniture or in carpeting over time.
2. Make sure your furnace filter is changed monthly (at minimum).
3. Use a dehumidifier if humid conditions are causing problems with mold growth or mildew formation in carpeting or upholstery fabrics. This can help reduce moisture levels while also removing excess humidity from living spaces where people spend time indoors during colder weather periods when they wouldn't normally be outside enjoying themselves at all hours of the day!

Content cleaning is worth the investment

Content cleaning isn't always easy, and it can be expensive. You need a professional who knows how to clean your belongings without damaging them further. To find the right professional, start by asking friends or family members if they have any recommendations. If they don't know of anyone, ask your local fire department if there are any companies in the area that specialize in content cleaning after fire damage.

Once you've found a company, its website will have information about its services and prices on it. Read through this carefully so that you know exactly what they do before hiring them (such as whether they'll be cleaning specific items). Also, make sure that everything listed on the website is available locally—if not, find out how much more it would cost for shipping costs or travel expenses for someone to come out from another city or state!

Once you've hired an expert who can help clean up after your home has been damaged by fire very carefully review all bills before paying them so there are no surprises later down road! In many cases, your insurance company will pay for the content cleaning.

The best way to protect your belongings is by keeping them out of harm's way. If you've been affected by a fire, it's important to get an expert inspection and evaluation before cleaning up the mess. This will ensure that your efforts at restoration don't cause more damage than the fire itself did!

How To Prevent Mold Growth on Bread

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your bread fresh and fuzz-free.

How To Keep Your Bread Fresh and Fuzz- Free

Have you ever purchased a fresh loaf of white bread at the grocery store, only to find green, fuzzy spots on the crust just a few days later? Mold can grow on various foods and in countless different environments. However, bread, with its nutritious ingredients and warm, spongy texture, is the most common breeding ground for the fuzzy fungi. If you are curious about mold growth on bread and how to handle it, read on to learn some helpful tips and tricks on keeping your bread fresh and fuzz-free!

Learn the Dangers
Eating moldy bread in Casco Bay Islands, ME, can cause numerous unfavorable reactions such as:

• Illness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
  
  

While ingesting mold is typically harmless, it can potentially cause severe illness. Therefore, if you detect fungus growth on your sourdough loaf, promptly throw it in the garbage. Further, cutting the moldy sections off the affected areas won't necessarily remove all bread mold, so keep in mind this is an ineffective mold removal method.
If you accidentally consume mold-contaminated bread, do not panic. Those with healthy and uncompromised immune systems typically don't experience any dangerous symptoms.

Handle It Properly

If you discover bread or fridge mold, do not inhale it, as fungus growth can cause a host of respiratory issues. Place the moldy bread in a sealed bag and toss it in the trash away from children and pets. Thoroughly clean the surface areas contaminated by the bread mold, and ensure it did not spread to any adjacent items. If mold ever grows out of control, call a local mold remediation specialist for professional removal.

Prevent Future Growth

The best way to prevent mold growth on your fresh bread is to place just one to two servings in a cupboard for immediate eating. Freeze the remaining loaf for easy thawing later.

While grotesque and unsightly, bread mold is a common and often benign occurrence. Make sure to handle it with care, and always follow proper food storage instructions to avoid accidental ingestion.