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Mold Information |
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The information included here is for reference only. |
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| Mold 101 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Molds are found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, as long as moisture or water and
oxygen are present. Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores float through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they land on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods and insulation, while other molds just like to feast on the everyday dust and dirt that gather in the perpetually moist regions of a building. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. While it is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores, indoor mold growth can be controlled by controlling moisture. All molds share the characteristic of being able to grow without sunlight; this means that mold needs only a viable seed (spore), a nutrient source, moisture, and the right temperature to proliferate. This explains why mold infestation is often found in damp, dark, hidden spaces; light and air circulation dry areas out, making them inhospitable for mold. For example, mold will often grow in a cool dark closet on an exterior wall that is colder than the rest of the house. Consequently, humidity will be higher and condensation may occur, allowing the growth of mold. If a light is left on in the closet, the air is warmed, the humidity falls, and both condensation and mold growth are prevented. Molds gradually damage building materials and furnishings. If left unchecked, mold can eventually cause structural damage to a building, weakening floors and walls as it feeds on moist wooden structural members. If you suspect that mold has damaged building integrity, you should consult a structural engineer or other professional with the appropriate expertise. Many health care personnel do not have the extensive microbiology and pathology background that a physician has. Therefore, we have provided a simple to use reference guide that can give concise answers regarding some possible effects of exposure to mold. The information here will not tell you HOW to identify various molds. Many molds look alike on the test medium and can not be identified without the expertise of a Mycologist. The information here will not go into WHY various molds do what they do. There are tens of thousands of molds in the USA that can affect someone’s health. Each can cause different problems. This is why you see so many different signs and symptoms the may be attributed to mold. The information here will not tell you WHAT to use to kill mold. Each mold is different. Each has its own needs. So one thing will not kill ALL molds. Deciding how to kill specific molds will take the years of expertise that only a true professional can provide. It is not a job to take lightly or by the inexperienced. The information here will not discuss treatment of mold infections. That is a doctor’s job and the doctor is most knowledgeable on this subject. Each health professional has a place in the big picture. The environmental specialist can treat the external causes but only the physician can treat the internal effects. If you are a medical professional and would like to know more about the methods used, or you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us. The National Mold Institute |
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