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<br /> Frequently Asked Questions About Mold
<br /> What are molds?
<br /> With more than 100,000 species in the world, it is no wonder molds can be found everywhere. Neither animal nor plant, molds
<br /> are microscopic organisms that produce enzymes to digest organic matter and spores to reproduce. These organisms are part
<br /> of the fungi kingdom, a realm shared with mushrooms, yeast, and mildews. In nature, mold plays a key role in the
<br /> decomposition of leaves,wood, and other plant debris. Without mold, we would find ourselves wading neck-deep in dead plant
<br /> matter. And we wouldn't have great foods and medicines, such as cheese and penicillin. However, problems arise when mold
<br /> starts digesting organic materials we don't want them to, like our homes.
<br /> How do molds grow in my home?
<br /> Once mold spores settle in your home, they need moisture to begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on.
<br /> There are molds that can grow on wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation. When excess
<br /> moisture or water builds up in your home from say, a leaky roof, high humidity, or flooding, conditions are often ideal for molds.
<br /> Longstanding moisture or high humidity conditions and mold growth go together. Realistically, there is no way to rid all mold
<br /> and mold spores from your home;the way to control mold growth is to control moisture.
<br /> How can I be exposed to mold?
<br /> When molds are disturbed, their spores may be released into the air. You then can be exposed to the spores through the air
<br /> you breathe. Also, if you directly handle moldy materials, you can be exposed to mold and mold spores through contact with
<br /> your skin. Eating moldy foods or hand-to-mouth contact after handling moldy materials is yet another way you may be
<br /> exposed.
<br /> How can molds affect my health?
<br /> Generally, the majority of common molds are not a concern to someone who is healthy. However if you have allergies or
<br /> asthma, you may be sensitive to molds. You may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and
<br /> aggravation of asthma. Also if you have an immune suppression or underlying lung disease, you may be at increased risk for
<br /> infections from molds.
<br /> When necessary, some resourceful molds produce toxins in defense against other molds and bacteria called mycotoxins.
<br /> Depending on exposure level, these mycotoxins may cause toxic effects in people, also. Fatigue, nausea, headaches, and
<br /> respiratory and eye irritation are some symptoms that may be experienced from exposure to mycotoxins. If you or your family
<br /> members have health problems that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should consult with your physician.
<br /> How do I know if I have a mold problem?
<br /> You may have seen white thread-like growths or clusters of small black specks along your damp bathroom or basement walls,
<br /> or smelled a "musty"odor. Seeing and smelling mold is a good indication that you have a mold problem. However, you cannot
<br /> always rely upon your senses to locate molds. Hidden mold can be growing behind wall coverings or ceiling tiles.
<br /> Common places to find mold are in areas where water has damaged building materials and furnishings perhaps from flooding
<br /> or plumbing leaks. Mold can also be found growing along walls where warm moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces,such
<br /> as inside cold exterior walls, behind dressers, headboards, and in closets where articles are stored against walls. Rooms with
<br /> both high water usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are often havens for mold.
<br /> If you notice mold or know of water damaged areas in your home, it is time to take action to control its growth.
<br /> How can I control mold growth in my home?
<br /> Fix any moisture problems in your home:
<br /> • Stop all water leaks first. Repair leaking roofs and plumbing fixtures. Move water away from concrete slabs and basement
<br /> walls.
<br /> • Increase air circulation within your home, especially along the inside of exterior walls, and ventilate with fresh air from
<br /> outside. Provide warm air to all areas of the home. Move large objects away from the inside of exterior walls just a few
<br /> inches to provide good air circulation.
<br /> • Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
<br /> • Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces. Cover earth floors in crawl spaces with heavy plastic.
<br /> • Clean and dry water damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, upholstered furniture within 24 to 48 hours, or consider removing
<br /> and replacing damaged furnishings.
<br /> • Vacuum and clean your home regularly.
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