What is Mold?
Mold is a form of fungus that thrives in moist, warm, and humid environments. It can appear on surfaces such as walls, floors, ceilings, and even food as fuzzy or slimy patches of black, brown, yellow, green, or white.
How is mold formed?
Mold grows when airborne mold spores land on moist, warm surfaces and are allowed to spread and multiply. Mold spores can be found in the warm, humid air that enters homes through ventilation. Once inside, they can colonize surfaces such as walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as household items such as furniture or clothing. Mold spores begin to develop and form colonies as they settle on damp surfaces. More spores are produced by these colonies, which can subsequently move to other regions of the home or structure, resulting in more mold growth. They are commonly found in regions of water damage, such as those caused by leaks or flooding, and can also lead to mold growth in walls, carpets, and insulation.
Where does mold come from?
Mold is caused by small, airborne spores that are present in our surroundings. These spores occur naturally and can be found both indoors and outside. Mold spores are small and can travel by air currents or become attached to objects such as clothing, shoes, or pets. As they fall on a damp and warm surface, they can begin to proliferate and establish colonies. Poor ventilation can trap moisture in a building and create conditions favourable to mold formation, which can increase mold growth. This is especially common in tightly sealed buildings designed for energy efficiency. In summary, mold comes from naturally occurring spores that are present in the environment, which can settle on surfaces and grow into colonies when conditions are right.
Does mold have negative effects on health?
Mold exposure can have a detrimental influence on your health. Mold exposure causes a variety of symptoms. Some of these symptoms are:
Mold allergies induce runny noses, sneezing, and nostril discomfort.
Respiratory difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms
Skin rashes and other types of skin diseases
Nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.
If a person is exposed to mold spores for an extended period of time (depending on their pre-existing medical conditions), they can acquire major health problems. Some examples are:
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
A rare yet deadly disorder in which the lungs become inflamed and cause breathing difficulties.
Asthma
Mold exposure can exacerbate pre-existing asthma symptoms as well as trigger new ones.
It is important to take steps to prevent and remediate mold growth to reduce the risk of exposure.
How humidity affects mold growth and
how does it affect your health?
Here’s a table that summarizes mold levels in relation to humidity and their potential health effects:
| Humidity Level | Mold Level | Description | Health Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-60% | Normal | Mold levels in the home are normal and not cause for concern. | No adverse health effects expected from mold |
| 61-65% | Elevated | Very high indoor mold levels necessitate treatment. | In vulnerable individuals, it may trigger allergic responses and asthma symptoms. |
| 65-70% | High | Indoor mold levels that are dangerously high and require immediate action. | Can cause severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems, in people with weakened immune systems |
| > 70% | Extreme | Thunder or a jet plane taking off | Can cause serious health problems, including permanent lung damage and even death, in individuals with preexisting health conditions. |
It’s crucial to note that the above table provides broad guidelines, and specific mold levels and health impacts can vary based on the type of mold, the individual’s sensitivity to mold, and other factors including temperature, ventilation, and exposure time. To prevent mold growth and related health issues, it’s recommended to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-60% and promptly address any water damage or moisture issues.
Can mold grow on walls?
Mold can develop on walls if the circumstances are favorable for it. Mold requires moisture, warmth, and a source of food to develop, and walls can give all three under the appropriate conditions. This occurs as a result of:
Moisture
If there is excess moisture on the wall, whether from a leak, high humidity, or condensation, it can provide the perfect environment for mold to grow.
Poor ventilation
When there is poor ventilation in a room, moisture can accumulate, leading to mold growth.
Organic material
If there is an organic material on the wall that has been exposed to moisture, it can provide a food source for mold.
Darkness
Mold thrives in dark, damp environments, and if the wall is in an area that does not get much light, it can be more prone to mold growth.
How does mold affect my home?
Mold and fungi can damage your house. Mold growth can compromise the structural integrity of a building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces. Mold can affect your home in several ways:
Weakening of the structure
Mold can weaken the structure of a house by breaking down organic materials such as wood, drywall, and insulation. Over time, this can cause the structure to become unstable and compromise the safety of the building.
Staining and discoloration
Mold can leave stains and discoloration which can be difficult to remove and may require extensive restoration work.
Unpleasant smell
The presence of mold can create an uncomfortable living environment and negatively impact the marketability of a house.
Health issues
Mold that grows within the houses and that comes indoors via ventilation can trigger allergies or asthma for the residents, especially children and old age people.
Decrease in property value
If a house has a mold problem, it may decrease the property value and make it difficult to sell.
Are mold and Fungi the same?
Mold and fungi are closely related but not identical. Fungi is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of creatures such as mushrooms, yeasts, and molds. Molds are fungi, however not all fungi are molds. Yeasts, for example, are fungi that normally grow as single-celled creatures and reproduce by cell division. Mushrooms are fungi as well, although they thrive under specific conditions and are frequently picked for food. Molds are fungus, however the name “fungi” refers to a far broader collection of creatures.
THE FUNGI
Type of fungi includes:
How to stop mold growth?
Improvements Needed
Fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and controlling humidity levels to keep indoor air quality healthy.
Moisture Control
Addressing any moisture issues in the home or building, improving ventilation, and using air filters or dehumidifiers.
Controlling Humidity
It’s also important to keep the humidity level in your home below 60 percent and to clean and dry any areas affected by water damage within 24-48 hours.
Eliminating Moisture
Mold needs moisture to grow and thrive, so if you remove the moisture source, mold will eventually die.
Long-Term Mold Prevention
Some types of mold can remain dormant for a long time and reactivate when conditions are favorable again, so it’s important to completely eliminate the moisture source and address any underlying issues that may have caused the mold growth in the first place.
Mold Removal: Proper Procedures
Simply drying out the affected area may not be enough to eliminate the mold, especially if it has spread to porous materials such as carpet, insulation, or drywall. In these cases, the affected materials may need to be removed and replaced.
How to know if my house has mold?
There are many ways in which we can find out if mold is present in a house. These are:
Musty smell
There is a certain musty and unpleasant smell when there is potential mold growth. If your house develops this kind of smell suddenly, it could be a sign of mold growth.
Look for any visible mold
Any black or green spots on the wall, ceilings, floors, or other surfaces are visible signs of mold growth. Mold may also have a fuzzy or slimy texture.
Humidity & Temperature
Mold grows in humidity over 60% and temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. When these levels are within this range, mold spores can begin to grow and spread.
Mold growth must be detected as soon as possible since it not only causes structural damage and unpleasant odors, but it also offers a risk to the health of individuals who live in the afflicted environment.