What is mold?
Mold, a common name for multiple types of fungus which grows and attacks organic materials such
as drywall, paper, books, cloth, photographs, leather and wood. Wood Rot is
sometimes confused with mold contamination.
(See Wood Rot)
Mold grows from spores, which are everywhere in our environment. Usually
these spores are inactive, but they will germinate and multiply (grow) when the
relative humidity exceeds fifty-five percent (55%). Temperatures above 65 degrees increase the likelihood of
mold growth.
What does mold need to grow?
For mold to grow it needs the following:
- Food sources – such as dirt, debris, wood, insulation, wallboard, drywall,
carpeting, clothing, paper and dirt.
- A source of moisture for at least 48 to 72 hours
- A dark, humid place to grow.
Can mold become a problem in my home,
office, or business?
Yes, if there is moisture available to allow mold to thrive and multiply. The
following are sources of indoor moisture that may cause problems:
- Flooding
- Dew Pointing of Windows
- Leaking Windows
- Dew Pointing of Duct System
- Backed up sewers
- Leaky roofs
- Damp basements or crawl spaces
- Plumbing leaks
- Steam from cooking or boiling water
- Wet clothes on indoor drying lines
How can I be exposed to
mold?
When molds are disturbed, their spores may be released into the air. You then
can be exposed to the spores through the air you breathe. Also, if you directly
handle moldy materials, you can be exposed to mold and mold spores through
contact with your skin. Eating moldy foods or hand-to-mouth contact after
handling moldy materials is yet another way you may be exposed. It is also
important that you do not walk into a moldy building due to the fact you do not
know what type of mold is in there. If you smell a musty or moldy smell, leave
the premises as soon as possible.
Who is at risk when
exposed to mold?
Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone inside buildings. It is important to
quickly identify and correct any moisture sources before health problems
develop. The following individuals appear to be at higher risk for adverse
health effects of molds:
- Infants and children
- Elderly
- Immune compromised patients
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies,
multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma.
What health
symptoms from mold exposure are common?
The most frequent health symptoms that you or a family member or friend may be
suffering from mold contamination are as follows:
- Chronic fatigue
- Headaches
- Memory loss or slow recall.
- Difficulties in logical thinking, learning and coordination.
- Clear, thin, watery mucus, or thick green slime from your nose
- Runny nose
- Frequent bloody nose from unknown cause.
- Coughing and resulting sore lungs/chest
- Difficulty breathing while walking.
- Hives
- Itching of the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin and unarm area.
- Redness of the sclera (white of your eyes)
- Skin rashes and/or open sores (running)
- Skin redness and blotches.
- Sneezing and coughing.
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