MOLD QUESTIONS AND FACTS

What is mold?

Molds are a microscopic subset of the fungi kingdom and are closely related to mildew, yeast, and mushrooms. Molds are ubiquitous to our planet, they grow indoors and outdoors, in almost every ecological niche that provides moisture, nutrition, and favorable temperatures. Molds typically appear as fuzzy looking growth on the surface of organic materials such as paper, decaying vegetation, food, and building products which are damp.

More than 100,000 species of molds have been identified worldwide including about 1,000 species of "indoor molds" in the United States. Molds thrive in temperatures ranging from 40° to 100° F, and humidity levels of 70% or more. Few molds can survive in conditions outside of these parameters.

How do molds reproduce?

Molds reproduce by broadcasting microscopic airborne spores that germinate when they find favorable environmental conditions. Mold spores are found in the air inside, and outside buildings. Spores can lay dormant for long periods of time, then quickly germinate, and multiply when conditions permit.

Are molds useful?

In nature, molds are an important part of the natural recycling process. Unlike plants, molds lack chlorophyll and can not produce their own food source. Molds survive by growing on dead materials such as wood, leaves, and other organic matter, using them as a nutrition source. Without mold, our natural environment would quickly be overrun with huge amounts of accumulated dead vegetation. Molds also serve many other useful purposes to mankind. For example, the antibiotic Penicillin is obtained from specific strains of molds, and has saved countless human lives.

How do molds grow indoors?

Airborne mold spores are always found wafting inside and outside buildings. This is a normal part of our environment, and not a concern. Problems begin when mold spores are introduced indoors through open windows, etc., find a moisture source, and begin to grow. Moisture can be introduced into buildings from roof leaks, structural damage, condensation, or even high humidity levels. Wood, sheetrock, leather, paper, and insulating materials then provide a nutritional source for mold. Since mold growth is often confined to damp building materials near water, fixing the source of moisture problems is critical to resolving mold issues.

What is "black mold"?

"Black mold" is often a term used in the news media, and the general public has come to associate it with Stachybotrys chartarum. Stachybotrys is a black, or greenish black mold often growing on building materials with chronic water damage. Stachybotrys produces mycotoxins which may cause some of the more severe health effects in people, but medical evidence at this time is inconclusive.

What are the health effects of mold?

Mold exposure occurs through inhalation of airborne spores, or less often, through ingestion. All molds have the potential to cause adverse health effects in humans; however, some molds, are considered more dangerous than others. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, even toxins that can cause health reactions in humans ranging from mild to serious.

The type and severity of health symptoms depends upon the type of mold, the amount of exposure, and the age and fitness of the individual exposed. Typical health symptoms include upper respiratory problems, dry eyes, chronic fatigue, sneezing, and headaches. Under certain environmental conditions, some molds such as Stachybotrys sp., can release potent mycotoxins (toxins on the surface of spores, or in spores) which can be very harmful. Repeated exposure to mold may cause previously healthy, unaffected individuals to become sensitized.

Are people with allergies or asthma at greater risk?

Individuals with asthma or allergies are more susceptible to mold related problems than normal healthy individuals. According to studies conducted by the Institute of Medicine (1993) an estimated 25% to 35% of the general population in the United States suffers from allergies or asthma. People with allergies and asthma are more sensitive to mold exposure than the general population. Illness can vary from mild to serious, depending on circumstances. Molds can also trigger asthmatic attacks in persons who are allergic to mold, or worsen asthmatic symptoms in non-allergic people.

How do I know if I have mold?

Indoor mold growth is usually confined to damp building materials near a source of moisture. Often mold is easily visible as a fuzzy growth on the surface of the wet materials. However, in other cases, mold can be very difficult to find, growing hidden on the bottom of carpets, on wallpaper backing, in pipe chases, and inside HVAC systems. If the building smells moldy (sweet smell), and building occupants are complaining of health problems, there is a good chance that hidden mold is present. At this point, you may want to hire an experienced professional to conduct an inspection. Careless inspection methods, such as forcefully removing wallpaper, may cause massive exposure to mold spores.