What is Mold?
Microscopic image of Mold (fungi)
What Does Mold Look Like?
Mold can be tricky to identify, which is why professional testing services matter more than ever. Mold is an eyesore and a homeowner’s worst nightmare. However, there is much more you should know about mold because once you understand what it is, you will be better able to prevent its growth.
In Bathroom
On the Wall
On Food
On the Wall
On the Ceiling
Under the Window
Mold can be tricky to identify, which is why professional testing services matter more than ever. Mold is an eyesore and a homeowner’s worst nightmare. However, there is much more you should know about mold because once you understand what it is, you will be better able to prevent its growth.
Here are some basic facts about mold:
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Molds are fungi.
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Molds grow on plants, wood, fabric, soil, food, drywall, floors and ceilings.
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Molds produce microscopic spores that germinate where moisture has accumulated.
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Mold growth threatens the structural integrity of a building.
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Mold exposure can lead to serious health problems.
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The key to mold control is moisture control.
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It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
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If mold is a problem in your home, you should fix the water problem and clean up the mold promptly.
Some possible indications of hidden mold in your home are:
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Musty/Earthy odors
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Bubbling or Peeling paint
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Discoloration on your walls and/or ceiling
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Stained carpets, especially in corners and against walls
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Unexplained or sudden onset allergic reaction when in home
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Chronic respiratory or sinus issues
Mold Symptoms
Mold symptoms can range from moderate to severe. Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have classified mold toxins as cancer causing. The health effects can vary greatly depending on 4 risk factors, below is a brief description of each one.
Mold Symptoms
Concentrated amounts of mold spores can amplify mold symptoms. When preforming air quality testing, elevated mold spore counts are defined as the indoor levels of mold spores being at higher levels than naturally occurring outdoors. Often the higher an environments mold spore count, the more severe mold symptoms can become.
TIME OF MOLD EXPOSURE
Prolonged mold exposure can lead to a host of mold symptoms including mycotoxicosis. Mold fine and ultra-fine particulates build up in the human body over time. Often the longer you are in a mold contaminated environment the higher your risk factors become for more severe health effects.
MOLD TOXINS
Mold toxins have been connected to some of the most harmful mold symptoms. Mold will produce toxins at different points of its life cycle. A dangerous toxin that comes from mold are mycotoxins. Mycotoxins will attach to fine and ultra-fine mold spore particulates making them extremely difficult to remove from the human body. Mycotoxins have been classified as a carcinogen (cancer causing) by the CDC and EPA.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Mold can affect everyone’s immune system in drastically different ways. Your immune system will dictate mold symptoms such as allergic reactions and invasive fungal infections. It is not uncommon for one member of the household to have more adverse mold symptoms than another. If left untreated mold exposure can lead to a lowered or compromised immune system.