Humans spend 90% of their lives indoors (Sorenson, 1999), thus, they are in contact with mold everyday of their lives. Because people are indoors so often, harmful mold normally grows inside. There are three types of molds, allergenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic. The most common are allergenic and pathogenic found in homes. These molds tend to grow in damp places, such as, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Within these growing molds, they produce spores (Flappen et al, 1999). Spores are used to pollinate and settle in damp locations to produce more molds. These spores are highly toxic to humans over long durations. Some diseases include pulmonary hemorrhage, hemosiderosis, and respiratory problems (Sorenson, 1999). Molds are …show more content…
These children mostly spend their times indoor, such as, in schools, daycares, and at home. In a study, scientists tested asthma mainly in African-Americans; more than a third of the participants were at high-risk of Asthma. (Kercsmar et al,2006) These children lived in poor condition homes, as well as, an urban area. Scientists also found that the largest area of mold infestation was found in the basement. (Kercsmar et al, 2006) This proves that mold spores are a major factor in inducing asthma. Human exposure is closely linked to a high mold spore counts in homes that are 75 years old and older, in poor conditions, or are in prominent water damages (Flappan et al, 1999). Humans can also be in contact with spores in newer homes, if they have a leaky roof or mold infestation in the ventilation systems. A leaking roof causes water damage to a certain area in a home. When the water damage causes mold, their spores are transported through the air (book). This also happens within a ventilation system because the spores can travel within the ventilation ducts and spread into every crevasse of a house. These spores attach to anything and everything because they can grow on any type of material and starts biodeteriorating instantly; within one or two days, the mold will be visible (book). In addition to upstairs, mold is also present downstairs. The highest amount of mold is present in the basement due to moisture and dampness. This is because
Mold is an essential part of nature. It helps with the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients in ecosystems. While outside mold is important, it is something that homeowners don’t want to find lurking inside their home. Unfortunately, the bad news is that it doesn’t take much for mold to start growing in your home. Your home will always contain microscopic mold spores, as they are easily transferred into your home through the air or on clothing or pets. Once mold formation begins inside your home, it will typically spread quickly throughout an area. There are many reasons to be concerned about residential mold growth, even though most of the time it is not in visible areas. Not only is mold damaging to structures in a home, but it can also trigger certain health complications or allergic reactions.
The main concern behind most types of mold is respiratory health and can be especially dangerous to individuals with pre existing respiratory illnesses and also childs, kids and teenagers still in the developmental phases. Troubles breathing, coughing and sore throats are all basic effects mold can have on the body including other allergy type symptoms such as nasal irritation causing sneezing, runny or stuffy noses. Mold also opens people up to becoming more susceptible to fungal infections with can be deadly. Long term exposure to black mold can cause more severe reactions such as nausea, vomiting and bleeding and chances are at the point it has already damaged the house too. Water is often the main catalyst in the growth of mold as it is often all a mold spore needs to reproduce. Water covers the majority of the earth, makes up the majority organic compounds and is essential to life. It is in the air we breathe, the houses we live in and can be hard to control. It can form on windows, pipes and many other materials when the conditions are right and this often goes unchecked. Pipes can drip water from spots we generally don't even see to begin with into even harder spots to reach. Water can also travel in the form of steam and condensation into the smallest nooks and crannies of a house. It can soak into carpets, drywall and other porous materials that will
Prolonged exposure to mold may require extensive medical treatment, and some deaths have been reported due to exposure to mold. Infants are especially susceptible to health effects due to their developing immune systems; excessive exposure increases the probability of developing respiratory problems during their first year. Individuals who are sensitive or who have allergies, asthma or compromised immune systems are much more likely to experience heath issues such as inflammatory and toxic reactions to mold spores. If you or someone you know has been exposed to mold and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call our office
I began my mold evaluation by assessing the size of mold zone areas. In my walkthrough inspection I identified mold growing from several visible locations throughout the library where the roof leaks when it rains heavily; in the children’s section, the back office, and in the adult fiction room. The visible mold I saw in these locations was mostly confined to a 4 feet zone around the celling openings. The carpeted areas were protected from water after the fact as buckets were placed underneath to collect water and prevent it from soaking the floor. As I removed some of the surrounding ceiling tiles near the leak I discovered dark black mold cultures growing on the celling in six inch discolored patches hidden behind the acoustical ceiling tiles. The mold cultures there harbored an unpleasant musky odor.
Whether you are moving into a new home with mold damage or you have noticed mold damage in your current home, getting rid of that mold as soon as possible is important. Unfortunately, untreated mold can lead to an assortment of health issues. This may include mold-induced asthma, skin infections, and fungal sinus infections.
Inspectors will use moisture meters and fiber optics to find mold growth. Professional technicians may be required to wear respirators, gloves and goggles in order to make a complete assessment of all mold. In some cases, materials may have to be removed. Damaged walls and ceilings may have to be replaced. Painting over black mold is not a solution. Complete ousting is the only safe answer.
Mold can cause a lot of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, and allergies. The tips above can help you combat these symptoms as well as keep mold growth at bay. In an ideal world, you will find dry times to open your windows and doors to let fresh air into your home throughout winter. This will introduce new air and force some of the toxins
Mold is a nuisance to any home or business.Mold spores commonly form in damp, dark environments. It can grow in many places, most not visible to home and business owners. Mold commonly can be found growing underneath carpeting, behind the shower wall, on drywall and other structures, and above the ceiling. It is critical to not only stop the visible mold, but to test for and treat all sources of a mold infestation to prevent further outbreaks and issues.
Black molds are the most dangerous to your health and are commonly found in water-damaged areas of buildings and in wet basements. Black molds contain neurotoxins that have been linked to serious, long-term neurological dysfunction.
If you’ve ever experienced a leak or in-house water damage, then you know that a battle with mold is serious. Mold can spread pretty quickly, left to its own devices.The repugnant smell can get on your furniture and in your clothes, literally living with you until you take measures to remedy the situation.
Mold is a toxic substance that requires moisture to reproduce, making it common in areas like the Gulf Coast where humidity and heavy rain can encourage mold spore activity. It is frequently found in parts of the home where water is frequently used, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Homeowners often find tell-tale black speckles in these rooms, indicating the presence of mold. However, it can also be an invisible problem, growing in dark areas such as basements, closets, and attics. Ventilation systems can also be breeding grounds for mold; as temperature-controlled air is transported through your home, mold can also travel through the ductwork.
Molds are eukaryotic (taxonomic group that includes organisms composed of one or more cells with visible nuclei and organelles) micro-organisms that are decomposers of dead organic material such as leaves, wood and plants. Mold grows by the extension of hyphae, which are considered to be tiny root hairs that extend across surfaces. In this way, small colonies of mold can expand to cover many square feet of material and it can also create spores that allow mold to inhabit the air and spread across various locations. (Moreau, 1974, p.125). The spores and hair-like bodies of individual mold colonies are too small for humans to detect without a microscope. These spores can survive in various conditions, such as hot, cold, dry and moist, and allows mold to grow. When spores are released they can be carried by air or water to new locations. According to Christensen (1975), some spores are so small that they are more affected by air currents than by gravity as it allows them to reach further locations. When spores land on a damp surface that has food and oxygen available, and the proper temperature, they will start to grow. Mold spores are ubiquitous in nature and are present everywhere, in outside air as well as indoor air. Wherever there is decomposing organic material mold and its spores are also present, which makes it
If you see mold on wall inside your home or on food you feel grubby and unhygienic. It is something that no one likes to deal with and avoids its onset. If your workplace has mold on walls your reputation is at stake. In case the walls in your house are affected by mold you or your loved ones may face serious health condition. It is best to take care of it by hiring professionals as taking care and eliminating mold by DIY methods may not serve the purpose and may not offer a permanent solution. You may have to hire a company offering mold remediation services in your area.
Evidence of mold in the home can be either visual or by odor, and evidence of an indoor mold problem typically starts with
The information gathered in this experiment may be relevant to those individuals who contend with food borne molds at home, or professionally. Because the rate of mold growth can vary depending