What are Molds?
Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, present
virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds,
along with mushrooms and yeasts, are fungi and are
needed to break down dead material and recycle
nutrients in the environment. For molds to grow and
reproduce, they need only a food source and
organic material, such as leaves, wood, paper, or
dirt and moisture. Because molds grow by digesting
the organic material, they gradually destroy
whatever they grow on. Sometimes, new molds grow
on old mold colonies. Mold growth on surfaces can
often be seen in the form of discoloration, frequently
green, gray, brown, or black but also white and other
colors. Molds release countless tiny, lightweight
spores, which travel through the air.
How am I exposed to indoor molds?
Everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis
without evident harm. It is common to find mold
spores in the air inside homes, and most of the
airborne spores found indoors come from outdoor
sources. Mold spores primarily cause health
problems when they are present in large numbers
and people inhale many of them. This occurs
primarily when there is active mold growth within
home, office or school where people live or work.
People can also be exposed to mold by touching
contaminated materials and by eating contaminated
food.
Can mold become a problem in my home?
Molds will grow and multiply whenever conditions are
right sufficient moisture is available and organic
material is present. Be on the lookout in your home
for common sources of indoor moisture that may
lead to mold problems:
* Flooding
* Leaky roofs
* Sprinkler spray hitting the house
* Plumbing Leaks
* Overflow from sinks or sewers
* Damp basement or crawl space
* Steam from shower or cooking
* Humidifiers
* Wet clothes drying indoors or clothes dryers
exhausting indoors
Warping floors and discoloration of walls and
ceilings can be indications of moisture problems.
Condensation on windows or walls is also an
important indication, but it can sometimes be caused
by an indoor combustion problem! Have
fuel-burning appliances routinely inspected by your
local utility or a professional heating contractor.
Should I be concerned about mold in my home?
Yes, if indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can
cause very high and persistent airborne spore
exposures. Persons exposed to high spore levels
can become sensitized and develop allergies to the
mold or other health problems. Mold growth can
damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas
and cabinets. Clothes and shoes in damp closets
can become soiled. In time, unchecked mold growth
can cause serious damage to the structural
elements in your home.
What symptoms are commonly seen with mold
exposure?
Molds produce health effects through inflammation,
allergy, ore infection. Allergic reactions (often
referred to as hay fever) are most common following
mold exposure. Typical symptoms that
mold-exposed persons report (alone or in
combination include:
Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty
breathing, and shortness of breath
Nasal and sinus congestion
Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes)
Dry, hacking cough
Nose or throat irritation
Skin rashes or irritation
Headaches, memory problems, mood swings,
nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are
occasionally reported in mold cases, but their cause
is not understood.
How much mold can make me sick?
It depends. For some people, a relatively small
number of mold spores can trigger and asthma
attack or lead to other health problems. For other
persons, symptoms may occur only when exposure
levels are much higher. Nonetheless, indoor mold
growth is unsanitary and undesirable. Basically, if
you can see or smell mold inside your home, take
steps to identify and eliminate the excess moisture
and to cleanup and remove the mold.
Mold & Water Damage Specialist Inc.
1-800-315-8950
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICES
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOLD?
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