Mold and mildew are types of fungi. Molds are found both outdoors and indoors. Outdoors, mold is important to the growth of all plant life. Mold breaks down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves or decaying trees and turns it into compost. It’s nature’s way of providing a natural food source for our forests.
Indoors, however, mold can literally destroy your home. Mold thrives on natural fabrics and materials found throughout every home and office. Mold attacks furniture fabrics, clothing, rugs and carpet. It grows on walls and ceilings – under flooring and on many other surfaces in your home or office.
How does Mold Grow?
Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.
There are approximately 10,000 mold spores on the head of a pin. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. Mold will not grow without water or moisture.
Am I Easily Exposed to Mold?
There are many ways you can be exposed to mold. You can breathe in mold particles if mold is disturbed or damaged. You can also breathe in tiny spores (similar to seeds) that mold may release into the air. You can touch mold and get it on your skin. You can swallow mold if you eat moldy or spoiled food.
Can Mold Cause Health Problems?
For many people, mold exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose and throat. Molds can trigger asthmatic attacks. Molds produce allergens which are substances that cause allergic reactions. In addition, a 1999 Mayo Clinic study implicated fungi, the plant group to which molds belong, as the cause of almost all chronic sinusitis affecting 37 million Americans. Finally, some molds produce toxic substances called mycotoxin that can damage your health. In high concentrations mold fragments, spores and mycotoxins can trigger symptoms even in individuals with no allergies.
How Can I Tell if There is Mold in my House?
In most cases you should be able to see the mold growth and smell a musty odor that is caused by mold. When checking for mold, look for signs of water damage. Wet spots, staining, dampness or other evidence of water leaks or damage may be a precursor to mold growth.
If there is mold growth in your home, you must act quickly before the mold damages what it is growing on. 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.
In some cases you may not be able to see the mold in your house. Mold may grow behind walls, above ceilings, under carpets and other places not visible to your eye. You may however, be able to smell it because many molds emit a “musty” smell. If you have a musty smell, look for mold and clean the area if you find mold growing in your home. Again, fix the water problem so the mold does not grow back.
What Is Mold?
