What is Mold? good mold facts
Mold is a fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of mold exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand different kinds of mold. Mold grows best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making mold spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth. Some of the common forms of indoor mold species are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus.
What causes mold to grow?
Mold occurs naturally, and is found everywhere. When abnormally high concentrations of mold are found indoors, problems result. There are four major elements that contribute to indoor mold growth:
- Food source – mold feeds on all sorts of cellulose materials such as wood, fabrics, wall paper, and other materials commonly found in the home.
- Temperature – mold thrives in temperatures between 40 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Oxygen – Although mold needs air, it grows best in areas of poor ventilation.
- Water – mold needs water, moisture or high humidity in order to grow.
How does mold travel? mold facts
Mold spores can migrate through the air, through water, and can hitch a ride on a host, such as humans and their clothing. Airborne mold spores will follow air currents created by normal movements of family members from one room to another, and up and down stairs.
Is mold dangerous? facts about mold
Mold spores release “mycotoxins” into the air, which are inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Some people are particularly sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. People with severe allergies, or those exposed to large amounts of mold, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
Where are molds found?
Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high. Places where mold exposures are usually high include basements, unvented bathrooms, saunas, antique shops, florist shops, greenhouses, farms, summer cottages, mills, etc.
Is Mold Making You Sick?
Researchers continue to uncover and discover new data and information about mold and the effects that it has on humans. What we do know is that different molds have different effects on different individuals.
Inhaled mold spores can create allergenic and infectious symptoms that may cause diverse reactions.
The most common symptoms may include eye irritation, runny nose, coughing, sinus pressure, headache, throat irritation, tightness of chest and fatigue.
The most serious symptoms include increased severity of asthma, vomiting, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
It is possible to experience symptoms from mold exposure by ingesting, inhaling, or touching mold. The growth of any type of mold indoors is a potential risk to humans. Thus, mold should be treated with caution and removed from a home or building as soon as possible.
Enviroclean of Illinois, Inc. and its employees are not health professionals – all information above is gathered through trade publications and documents. If you feel you are sick as the result of mold contamination, we recommend you consult with a doctor regarding your health and have your home or building investigated for mold and other potential air quality contaminants.
“Control the moisture, control the mold.”