There are about 10,000 types of mold, and about 1,000 of these varieties may end up in an American home. Molds are a type of fungus that grows best in warm, damp, humid conditions. Often molds can grow and flourish in conditions that you wouldn’t expect to see mold growth, as mold is particularly hearty.
We have all seen mold before. You will recognize mold as the dark spots in old bread or as the white fuzzy hair growing on a piece of fruit forgotten in the back of the crisper drawer. Mold is often seen in bathrooms as the unsightly dark, discolored areas in and around the bath or shower.
When you see mold in your bath, what you are looking at is a lot of microscopic tiny fungus organisms. They live by ingesting organic matter, and they reproduce by releasing spores that travel by air, water, or by insect. Mold spores are like seeds, and if conditions are right, new mold will grow.
Mold isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when found outside. You can find mold almost everywhere, living on organic materials like plants and plant matter, soil, and food. Mold helps to break down and decompose leaves, wood, plant debris, and other dead organic material; they essentially recycle the nutrients and play an important role in nature.
Mold is a bad thing, however, when it ends up where it’s not wanted and starts eating away at your home. Moisture problems such as a leaky foundation can lead to a mold problem in a home. If a home has a damp basement, has flooded, or has moisture problems, there are greater odds of mold growth. Mold can often be detected by smell, as the musty odor of mold is quite noticeable. Mold test kits are available to search for fragrance-free mold, and mold inspectors can be hired to root out a problem.
If mold is found in a home, there are three major types that may be encountered. Allergenic Molds are usually not life threatening and only affect those who are allergic to mold or suffer from asthma. Allergenic mold exposure will normally lead to rashes, scratchy throats, and irritation to the nose and eyes.
Pathogenic Molds will often lead to an infection. If someone has a suppressed immune system, serious health complications can arise, but healthy individuals can end up infection free. High exposure to this type of mold by someone with a compromised immune system can be quite serious, leading to hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
The mold to really watch out for is Toxigenic Molds. These mycotoxins can make almost anyone seriously sick. Short term exposure could cause a bit of irritation, but any duration of exposure could cause an immunosuppressed condition or even cancer. Molds are found almost everywhere, and they are not always a reason for alarm. A lot of common molds can be quickly and easily eradicated. Others however may need a professional response.
If you suspect mold in your home, look into it immediately.
