What is Mold?

Why is mold growing in my home? Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems? Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This information provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department. Molds and other fungi may adversely affect human health through three processes: 1.) Allergy 2.) Infection 3.) Toxicity.

1.) Allergenic effects: The most common attribute to mold are allergic reactions. It is clear that mold produces highly allergenic proteins that contribute to the symptoms of asthma and hay fever. Persistent allergy problems can leave the immune system in a weakened state causing an individual to become susceptible to other infections if left untreated.

2.) Pathogenic effects: Mold can also cause effects which often consist of skin infections and sometimes pose a serious threat to healthy individuals.

3.) Toxigenic effects: The toxic effects of fungi are perhaps the most serious. All Fungi release chemical substances called mycotoxins that vary in toxicity. These chemicals produce a variety of health effects, including but not limited to, mucous membrane irritation, rashes, dizziness, nausea and birth defects.

How do I get rid of mold? It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back. Mold is a competitive species for real estate, molds live and prosper in the same environment as we do. The houses we live in are wonderful environments for mold. All houses need regular inspections for mold along with other periodic preventative maintenance inspections. Before fungi can colonize, four requirements must be met: air, livable temperature, moisture, and food. Humidity and water leaks are the cause of most mold infestations. Leaks being the easiest to spot are the first indications that mold may be present, however unusual activities may upset the humidity averages in the house and mechanical spaces and allow mold to establish itself.

For more information about the effects of mold please click on the following links: Enviromental Protection Agency

The EPA recommends only qualified personnel experienced with microbial remediation solutions should perform all remedial interventions where mold growth is of concern.