Mold is found virtually everywhere on the planet, both indoors and outdoors and is present year round. Mold is not a plant or an animal, but a member of the Fungi family. Mold is a living organism that generally thrives where moisture is present and airflow is low or non-existent. Mold finds its way into homes and buildings by entering through windows, doors, vents, air circulation systems, cracks in the stucco or other air gaps in building material. Mold spores can easily float on gentle air currents. If the spores land on suitable organic material inside a building, mold can begin to grow. Mold needs only two things to grow and survive. Mold needs moisture and food.
Mold plays a vital role in the balance of the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material (plants, leaves, etc..) That is molds one and only purpose. Unfortunately, these same enzymes that assist mold in breaking down dead organic materials are the same that can damage wooden components in a home or other structures. When left untended, mold can cause substantial damage.
The Risks of Mold:
1. It can lead to extensive wood damage. Similar to termites, certain mold can turn cellulose material (wood or wood by-products) into food. Over time, it is this process that gradually weakens the structural integrity of the home or building. If left unchecked, it will completely destroy a home or building. This poses a safety risk to all inhabitants of the structure.
2. Mold releases spores, which are its form of reproduction. The spores float around in the air of the home or building and pose inhalation risks to those occupying the interior. These spores are considered to be a major allergen and rank with pollen as a primary source of air contamination for allergy sufferers. This condition can be further aided by forced air systems, commonly referred to as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. (HVAC) A small area of mold growth in an isolated area of a home or building can spread throughout the entire structure by way of the HVAC system.
3. No one knows exactly how many species of mold exist, but estimates have been given indicating that there are between 100,000 and 300,000. Some of the most common indoor molds are Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Alternaria. All fungi can cause health problems, but only about 200 species are thought to cause health issues in people and animals. Some types of mold release highly toxic "mycotoxins" which are bi-products released during the gestation process. These mycotoxins can cause adverse health complications for many people.
Mold growth has a variety of physical appearances and the colors of the growth can vary as well. The most talked about mold is "Black Mold" or “Toxic Mold.” Neither of these terms are a species or even a specific type of mold. Both of these terms are what media outlets have labeled mold growth which produces unhealthful “mycotoxins.” Those terms are far easier to remember and they are a lot more catchy than Toxigenic Fungi or Stachybotrys-Chartarum.
Consequences Of Mold:
In short, mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, health problems can occur, building materials can become compromised, furnishings and personal belongings may be damaged. Mold can grow on virtually any surface known to humankind. In as little as 48 hours from the time water or moisture comes in contact with mold spores you can have the beginning of mold colonization.
Mold is the kind of problem that no owner, tenant, real estate agent or property manager can afford to ignore. Mold has been linked to be one contributing factor associated with Sick Building Syndrome. S.B.S. occurs when the occupants of a building experience acute health effects that seem to be linked to time spent in a building where amplified mold growth is present.
Structural Issues:
The overall extent of the adverse health effects caused by exposure to indoor mold has been greatly debated. But there is unanimous consensus that a heavily mold contaminated home or building can be structurally weakened and made virtually uninhabitable due to the foul smell and visually unappealing condition. If you have any indication that mold growth may exist in a home or building, it warrants the need for a detailed mold investigation. If the structure is found to have amplified mold growth, it will need to be remediated back to a healthy condition which is suitable for occupancy.
Potential Health Issues:
Individuals who have concerns about structural damage or the unpleasant effects of indoor mold growth should seek the services of a Certified Mold Inspector. Individuals who have concerns about health effects due to mold exposure should seek the counsel of their health care professional.
Inhalation exposure to mold indoors can cause adverse health effects in some people. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mold does not have to be alive to cause an allergic reaction. Spores that are dead or alive can cause allergic reactions. Individuals with pre-existing conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of indoor mold. Newborns, children, elderly people, individuals with respiratory conditions and weakened auto-immune systems may be more affected by exposure to indoor mold.
Limited or repetitive exposure to indoor mold may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold. Continuous exposure may lead to increased sensitivity. Health related concerns that have been reported due to mold exposure are headaches, sneezing, runny nose, post nasal drip and watery eyes. Mold can cause asthma attacks, acute bronchitis and other respiratory complications with individuals who have these conditions. Other reported symptoms are swollen sinus passages, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, skin irritation and shortness of breath.
In Conclusion:
Understanding the effects of mold is an evolving science and each year more resources are being put forth to better understand the ramifications of exposure to mold.
If you are concerned that your home, condominium, investment property or office either has apparent mold growth or conditions that will lead to mold growth, it is imperative that you have a Certified Mold Inspector evaluate the building immediately to ensure the health and safety of all the occupants.