What is mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that spreads through the air in microscopic spores and is found EVERYWHERE that life can be supported. There are over 100,000 species in the world and more than 1,000 species exists in the United States alone. Molds require air, water, a food source, and temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees F to grow.
While not all molds are harmful, growth of mold within a home is inappropriate and can potentially produce serious side effects for the occupants, such as allergic reactions and infections. Additionally, molds can potentially damage any surface on which they grow.
Due to the varying sensitivities of exposed populations, experts have been hard pressed to develop a standard that will be both safe and economic. Molds require moisture to grow. It is the only growth factor that can be controlled in your home. Molds can on almost any porous surface. If moisture is present and remains on a food source (i.e. rugs, drywall, wood, etc.); molds can develop within 48 hours.
Moisture can come from many sources in a home. Spills, leaks, overflows, condensation and high humidity are typical sources of moisture. Good housekeeping and maintenance are essential in efforts to prevent or eliminate mold growth. There are a number of steps you can take to minimize or eliminate mold growth.
What are the health effects of mold?
Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they enter the air and are inhaled. Exposure to molds can also be in the form of ingestion or direct skin contact. If you believe that you have a mold problem, the first step should be a through building inspection to locate any potential sources of moisture. If the area is found, clean disinfect and thoroughly dry the area.
If the problem has not been rectified, indoor air sampling will be necessary. It is important to know what types of molds are present in the house. It is essential that an outdoor reference sample be collected at the same time that indoor air samples are collected. The outdoor sample becomes the reference by which indoor samples are measured against.
Once it has been determined that there are strains of fungus growing only in the residence, it is important to identify them. Certain mold species are much more potentially hazardous than others. All fungi produce mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are complex biological compounds that either break down compounds or inhibit the growth of other organisms. The most famous mycotoxin is penicillin. Mycotoxins are found in viable (living) and non-viable spores. As a result, moldy materials need to be cleaned or removed rather than just disinfected.
The most commonly seen health effects of exposure to mold are allergic reactions. Typical symptoms of allergic reactions are:
- Respiratory problems
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Dry, hacking cough
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Burning, watery, reddened, light sensitive eyes
- Skin irritation
- Central nervous system problems (constant headaches, mood changes, memory problems)
If any of these symptoms are present feel free to contact Hydroscience, Inc. We will guide you through the remediation process. Remediation may be as simple as giving an area a thorough cleaning and disinfection to more extensive processes.
