Mold FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions: Mold & Mold Contamination
Related links: Toxic mold | Sick Buidling SyndromeWhat are Molds?
Molds are a family of fungi that feast on natural matter. They are composed of long branches of cells that interlace to form the body of the fungus, which is called the mycelium. The long, thin cells can permeate a variety of materials, but ordinary building materials such as drywall, insulation, and wallpaper, all comprised of organic materials, serve as nutrients for the mold. The primary ingredients required for mold growth consist of a food source, suitable temperature and humidity levels, and moisture. The source of water can be as minuscule as a faucet leak. Humidity levels above 60 percent and temperatures from 40° to 100° Fahrenheit are ideal factors in promoting mold growth. Since weather conditions in Florida typically meet those requirements, it is easy to see why molds can become a serious problem.
Molds are present almost everywhere because they have the unique ability to cling to any material in which moisture is available. Many molds live in the soil outside and act as a key contributor to the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other debris left over from plants. If molds didn’t exist, we would be overwhelmed with the remains of dead plants. Molds break down this plant waste through digestion and use it as nutrients.
What impact does mold have on people?Research shows that molds are able to create mycotoxins that survive indoors given the correct environmental conditions. Moist indoor areas may also encourage bacteria growth that produces toxic and inflammatory effects. Sensitized people, or those who are susceptible to side effects caused by molds, may develop symptoms like nasal blockage, eye irritation, and wheezing. Those with serious allergic reactions to molds may run a fever or have trouble breathing. Individuals with chronic illnesses (i.e. obstructive lung disease) could be in store for mold infections of the lungs. Even those lacking a history of sensitivity to molds could potentially experience various health problems after encountering a large quantity of mold. Extended exposure to great amounts of mold can create long-term respiratory problems like asthma.
Mold is everywhere, including the air we breathe, and Florida is the perfect landscape to support it. Here are some of the reasons why molds are becoming more of an essential issue on the health front:
- More than 100,000 different strands of mold have been identified by scientists, the majority of which are easily warded off by the human immune system. Between 30 and 40 of these molds have the potential to become toxic. Read below for more information on hazardous molds.
- into contact with molds outdoors is normally not a problem due to the high level of ventilation and low concentration of mold spores.
- Architectural evolution in homes over the past 15 years has given way to cheaper building materials such as cellulose and fiberboard, which are both prone to mold growth.
- Homes that were built prior to the 21st century are not as structurally sound. In turn, they are not very energy efficient, but they offer more cross-ventilation. This allows water to dry faster, so when mold grows inside, it does not mix with outdoor air.
When a home is excessively moist, molds are going to gravitate to it and multiply as they survive off the food sources found in the building materials used to in the construction of the home. Molds spread by way of seed distribution in spores, which are too tiny for the naked eye; spores are about half the size of the tip of a human hair, or five microns, and travel in a similar fashion to dust. Some spores contain a protective coating called mycotoxins. These act at “bodyguards” to the spore to protect it from predators. Human encounters with spores have proved to show some negative effects on humans.
The three most common examples of mold exhibiting mycotoxins are stachybotrys, aspergillus, and penicillum. Stachybotrys, also known as black mold, is the most notorious of the toxic molds. Exposure to large amounts of black mold can cause symptoms like headaches, nosebleeds, and even chronic respiratory illness. Although the other two forms of mold are not as well known as stachybotrys, aspergillus and penicillum can have the same adverse effects, causing serious respiratory problems. Some mycotoxins are so potent that they have been labeled as carcinogens; the mycotoxins emitted by aspergillus flavus are considered to be powerful carcinogens.
How can I determine the toxicity of mold?If you want to know whether your home is contaminated with toxic mold, you will need to get it tested for indoor air quality. After an indoor air quality professional samples your home, it will take about two weeks to get the results. The air quality expert will attempt to pinpoint the source of the mold contamination using the following methods:
- Mold Swab Sample Mold swap sample – A large Q-tip is rubbed along moldy surfaces. The contaminated swab is then shipped in a sealed container to a laboratory where the sample is tested for concentration and types of mold.
- Air Samples for Mold Spores – A vacuum sucks in 30 to 150 liters of air particles through a filter. The filter is submitted to a lab to decipher the amount and kind of mold spores trapped in the sample. The air quality expert will take several samples from inside your house along with several more outside. The indoor and outdoor samples are then compared to determine the difference in concentration.
- Tape Samples - A transparent adhesive is stuck upon a moldy surface and peeled off. The tape is then placed in a sealed container and sent to a lab for results.
- Wall Cavity Samples - Mold often originates behind walls inside your home and thrives there for months before you become aware that it’s there. An expert uses a moisture meter to track down leaky areas behind walls. A hole is then drilled through the wall in these high moisture areas, and an air sample is obtained through the hole to be submitted to a lab for review.
- Bulk Samples - A piece of your home that is assumed to be contaminated is cut out and placed in a sealed container to be shipped to a lab for further testing. This method of identification may be the fastest because it is unnecessary to wait for the mold to grow on samples when you already have real world samples (i.e. drywall, wallpaper, etc.) right in front of you. Keep in mind that contaminated areas of your home can spread the mold to unaffected areas if you are not careful. Only trained professionals should be allowed to inspect infested locations once they have been properly quarantined.
There are many causes of indoor moisture, and those differ depending on climate, geographic region, and structure types. Although buildings that deteriorate as they get older seem to be a breeding ground for dampness and mold, experienced contractors believe modern construction practices and building materials, combined with air conditioning, increases the risk of moisture problems as well. In other words, sometimes logical methods of dampness prevention are avoided in the interest of saving money when new buildings are erected.
How can I eliminate a mold problem myself?
- Clear rigid surfaces of mold, and dry them thoroughly. Porous materials (i.e. ceiling tiles, carpet, etc.) may require replacement if they are overrun by mold.
- Repair leaky plumbing and other reservoirs of water.
- Keep drainage pans dry and free of debris in air conditioners, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers.
- Turn on exhaust fans or crack windows when showering in the bathroom or cooking and running the dishwasher in the kitchen.
- Keep indoor relative humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. You can monitor humidity levels using hygrometers, which can be purchased at hardware stores.
- Exchange dirty air conditioner filters with a new one every 30 to 60 days.
- Hire a professional to service your air conditioning system no less than once a year.