What is mold
and why do we
care about it?
The term mold refers to a very large and exceedingly diverse group fungi differentiated by being a multicellular organism organized by string-like tissue called hyphae. Much like their mushroom counterparts, molds survive by degrading organic material and reproduce by releasing spores into their surroundings.
Mold occurs in the environment with few human health effects. Common outdoor molds can usually be traced to a local source like decaying trees and leaves, certain animal populations, or bodies of water. These organisms typically thrive in warm, damp areas with low light exposure.
Mold becomes problematic when indoor conditions allow it to proliferate in our homes. We typically see one of two situations.
A water intrusion event like a flood or leak occurs. When floodwater is not removed and saturated materials properly dried out within 48 hours, mold begins to grow.
Prolonged humid or warm conditions favoring mold growth occur due to HVAC failure or misuse.
Molds can impact human health in many ways. For our purposes, we divide them into two groups.
Allergens
The most common contributors to allergen symptoms we see are Aspergillus/Penicillium and Cladosporium. While both of these molds naturally occur outdoors, when they become prolific indoors their spores can cause hallmark allergy symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose and coughing to name a few. At moderate levels, these spores can cause trouble for sensitive individuals and high levels can effect all people.
Zero Tolerance
A handful of molds pose serious threat to human health. While their prevalence is relatively rare, we take this grouping very seriously when their presence is suspected and always recommend immediate action if lab testing indicates their presence. Stachybotrys/Memnoniella is commonly referred to as ‘Black Mold’ and produces mycotoxins that can harm people. Several other rare species of mold that can infect immunocompromised people are also included in this category.
Mold Prevention
To prevent mold growth in your home, aim to keep relative humidity in the 40-60% range. In Florida, humidity will occasionally exceed this value but should quickly drop into normal range once rain has passed and AC has run for several hours.
When leaving a residence unoccupied for an extended period, set the air conditioner at 76 degrees or lower. This will force the HVAC unit to run and remove humidity from the home. A few extra dollars on the utility bill is worth saving yourself from arriving to a home covered in mold, trust us!
In the event of a water intrusion event, immediately remove water and implement drying techniques such as dehumidifiers and fans. For major floods, call a mitigation company as soon as possible for professional guidance in proper dryout techniques and services.
How do I know if I have a mold problem?
The most obvious answer is visible mold. Mold can appear in many forms, but it is typically green or black and forms powdery patterns on drywall, wood, or leather. Rough opaque patches can appear on glass, picture frames, and mirrors in some cases. Resist the temptation to wipe it down and call it a day. When mold levels are high enough to produce visible evidence, further professional intervention is with commercial chemicals and air scrubbing is needed to restore a healthy environment.
Sneakier cases can present as persistent allergen symptoms while in the home with no other known cause. This is often accompanied by a humid feeling in the home or musty smell with no source. Any time you experience changes in your health, it is best to consult with your physician for a checkup. After checking with your doctor, it may be time to schedule an air quality assessment to determine if mold is contributing to allergies.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.