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Yes, burning wood with Dutch elm disease is a safer way to dispose of it than, say, tossing it in with the rest of your yard waste, which could potentially allow it to spread to healthy trees. But it’s always a good idea to check with your local government to make sure you’re complying with any ordinances about removing diseased trees as well as burning brush piles.

After you clean mildew or mold that appears in your home, you expect the nasty odor to disappear, too. Sometimes, though, the odor can linger after cleaning. To get rid of a mold smell, you may need to clean the area every few days for a few weeks. Use a dehumidifier or fans to try to remove moisture from the area. If the odor remains after a few weeks, you may still have mold or mildew in the area. Call a mold testing professional for another inspection.

If your roof was constructed between 1930 and 1970, there’s a possibility that the shingles contain asbestos. If that’s the case, you should hire a professional for repairs and replacement, as they’ll have the necessary equipment to stay safe from such a hazardous and cancer-causing substance. If your home was constructed after this period, it’s unlikely that the shingles in place are toxic. In most cases, asbestos shingles are not recyclable, while standard asphalt shingles are recyclable.

Mildew and mold are not different—mildew is a specific type of mold and yes, it can become dangerous if left untreated. It would be amazing if we were all biochemists but because we most likely aren’t, it isn’t wise to assume any mold is mildew on sight alone. Harmless mold and toxigenic mold (which can be deadly) look very similar, so if you see any new mold that looks even a little suspect, call a mold professional immediately.