Mold Intro

As the title queries, “Does My Home Have Mold,” the answer is a resounding YES.  The simple truth is mold is everywhere including inside homes. The spores released by mold float invisibly in the air all around us at varying levels.  Mold only becomes a problem when those spores find a hospitable environment and go into a frenzied reproduction dance.  Today, many of my clients wisely request mold testing as a part of their home inspection. Due to the many horror stories over the past few years, these folks have a developed a  fear of a home mold invasion.  As a result, it is increasingly common to perform mold testing.  However, discovering mold in a home simply means more investigation is necessary.  The presence of detectable quantities of mold starts the process of eliminating dangerous levels of mold from the home.  A mold test not only identifies the presence of mold but also the type to assist in remediating the problem.

Some Mold Facts

There are many different mold types, but they all are a form of fungus.  Mold can live both indoors and outdoors. Mold is generally spread by the release of spores–nearly invisible mold “seeds.” These spores spread by floating around in the air. Mold spores are present in all indoor environments. There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow. Mold needs moisture, nutrients, and usually some warmth to thrive and grow.  When the spores land on a damp spot, they begin to grow. Such spots can be on fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As the mold grows, it may digest the material it is growing on. Molds take a variety of forms and textures. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green and often look like discoloration or stain to a surface. They can also have a velvety, fuzzy, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mold and where it is growing.

Scientists estimate there are over 300,000 types of mold.  Here are the more commonly found indoor molds:

Alternaria: This occurs in damp places indoors, such as showers or under leaky sinks.

Aspergillus: This often grows indoors, on dust, powdery food items, and building materials, such as drywall.

Cladosporium: This can grow in either cool or warm areas. It tends to appear on fabrics and wood surfaces.

Penicillium: This tends to grow on materials with water damage. It often has a blue or green appearance.

Mold and Health

Most folks already know mold can pose a health problem, especially for people with an allergy, an existing respiratory problem, or a weakened immune system.

Breathing problems

As mold grows, spores, cells, fragments, and unstable organic compounds can enter the air. They can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins. Some of these can be toxic, especially to individuals who have a sensitivity to them.

Also, dampness encourages materials to break down, increasing the volume of particles, or dust, in the air.

These particles can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat, especially in a person who already has a breathing problem, asthma, or a chronic lung condition.

Allergy

A person with a sensitivity or allergy to any mold-related particles may react. Like hay fever or seasonal allergies, mold allergies can produce allergic symptoms.  These allergic reactions can affect the upper respiratory tract. People with a mold allergy as well as asthma have a higher chance of having an asthma attack when there is mold in the environment.

Allergic symptoms triggered by mold may include:

• mucous membrane irritation such as blocked, itchy or runny nose
• an itchy throat
• sneezing
• watery and irritated eyes
• wheezing
• fever
• fatigue
• nausea
• headache
• insomnia

Aspergillosis

Some types of mold, such as Aspergillus, can cause a serious health problem, known as aspergillosis, in some people. Most people can breathe in the spores of this fungus without becoming sick, but people who are immunocompromised or have an existing lung disease may have a severe reaction. Unfortunately for people sensitive to Aspergillus, the mold is often found indoors due to the cellulose found in the paper covering of drywall panels.

There are different types of aspergillosis:

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): This affects the lungs and can cause breathing problems.

Allergic aspergillus sinusitis: This affects the nose and can involve a headache.

Aspergilloma, or fungus ball: This can cause a cough, which may produce blood, as well as breathing problems.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: Symptoms include breathing problems, a cough, and weight loss.

Other conditions

Mold can also trigger the production of microbes and bacteria. Exposure to these bacteria may trigger an inflammatory response in some people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO also notes that mold microbial agents may increase the risk of bronchial and fungal infections.

There is also evidence that it might cause:

• hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• bronchitis
• allergic alveolitis
• chronic rhinosinusitis
• allergic fungal sinusitis
• lower respiratory tract problems in previously healthy children

Deterring Mold Growth

Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing indoors. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises people to aim for a humidity level of below 60%. It is also important to keep the home clean and well ventilated.

Causes of humidity in the home include:

• the breath of people and pets
• use of water for washing and cooking
• moisture in the air, for example, on rainy or humid days
• water leaks from plumbing issues or roofing problems
• living in a building with tightly-sealed windows and doors

Reducing humidity

People can reduce the risk of a buildup of moisture and mold by:

• acting quickly if a leak or spillage occurs (there is no such thing as a minor leak)
• using a dehumidifier to reduce indoor moisture
• leaving windows open when possible, to allow air to circulate
• using extractor fans to remove moisture during cooking
• avoiding indoor activities that produce moisture, such as drying clothes or using kerosene heaters
• ensuring that all fabrics are thoroughly dry before storing them
• emptying and airing rarely used drawers and closets from time to time
• regularly cleaning so that mold cannot build up on surfaces, dust, or other matter
• using mold-killing products when cleaning the bathroom
• avoiding laying carpets in bathrooms and basements
• maintaining buildings, facilities, gutters, and drains to reduce the risk of leaks

It is not always possible to prevent mold from growing, but regular cleaning and wiping can reduce the risk of it appearing or getting worse.

Removing Existing Mold

So a mold test shows an unsafe concentration of mold or a more dangerous type of mold, now the question becomes “what can be done?” Fortunately there is a lot to be done to improve indoor air quality.  The first step is to as discussed above–get rid of the favorable conditions for mold growth. To remove the established mold there are a variety of tools and processes to remove the mold.  In severe cases some items may need to be destroyed and some surfaces like drywall replaced.  In such cases, the process should be left to mold remediation professionals.

For less severe mold, here are some steps that have proven effective:

Wipe hard surfaces with a suitable commercial product, soap and water, or a heavily diluted bleach solution. Always dry the surfaces after use to prevent mold from reappearing.

Wash or wipe porous surfaces and check regularly to see if mold has returned, as it can infiltrate these materials. If mold continues to reappear, consider disposing of these items.

Ask at the local hardware store about antifungal paints and other products that can help prevent mold from developing.

Moral Of The Story–Don’t Feed the Mold!

The best tactic to control the amount of mold in a home is simply to starve it.  Like a stray animal, if you feed it, it will stay!