Mold is a type of fungus that exists in most environments. There are many different types of molds, each with its own color. Some are white, some are black, some are green, some are orange, and some are purple.
Mold is very common in buildings and houses. Mold grows best in moist environments, such as around leaky roofing materials, windows, or pipes; or where there has been water damage. Mold grows best on paper products, cardboards, ceilings, and wooden products. Mold can also grow on these surfaces.
Common indoor molds include Cladosporium, penicillium, and aspergillus. We don’t know exactly how often different types of mold are present in buildings and homes. However, we do know that some people are allergic to certain kinds of mold.
Mold gets inside easily — through open doors and windows, vents, and HVAC units, and by hitching a ride on clothes, shoes, and pets. But getting in isn’t what makes it grow. Mold spores are present in virtually every home and stay dormant until they get moisture. The trigger is about 55% relative humidity: below it, spores sit harmless; above it — from a roof or plumbing leak, condensation, flooding, or just chronically damp air — they activate and spread on the paper, drywall, and wood they feed on. That’s why controlling moisture, not just cleaning, is what actually stops mold.
Once mold gets to the point where it can become problematic, you should be able to see it or smell it. That being said, it’s always good to get a mold inspection from an expert mold technician.
Exposure to wet and moldy environments may lead to various health effects, or no effect at all. Some people are allergic to mold. For these people, mold allergies can cause them to experience things like runny noses, coughing, and watery or itchy eye. People who are allergic to mold or have an allergy to dust mites may experience more severe reactions than others. Workers who are regularly subjected to high levels of molds in their workplace may experience severe allergic responses. Severe reactions may involve fever and shortness of breathe.
According to the Institute of Medicine, there is enough evidence to suggest that indoor exposure to mold may cause upper respiratory tract infections, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people; may cause breathing difficulties in people with existing lung conditions; and may trigger an allergic reaction in people who are prone to developing that type of allergy.
The World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidelines in 2009, the WHO Guidelines for indoor air quality: dampness and mold. Recent studies suggest a potential link between early mold exposure and development of childhood asthmatic symptoms, particularly among children who might be genetically at risk for developing these symptoms. And that certain interventions aimed at improving housing quality can reduce morbidities associated with these diseases.
There is no evidence linking exposure to indoor air pollution from molds to any adverse effect on human beings. Additional research is needed to determine why some people develop acute idiopathic bleeding and other adverse health effects from taking statins.
There is no way to tell if someone has been exposed to toxic levels of molds There are some physicians who can test for possible allergies to molds, but there are no clinically proven tests that can tell you exactly when or where a particular molds’exposures occurred.
According to the CDC.gov website, Those who suffer from allergies might be more sensitive to mold than others. Those who have an impaired immune system or underlying lung disease are at greater risk for developing fungal infections. People who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases (such as COPD, Asthma, etc.) may experience difficulties when they breathe. Those who are immunocompromised are at an increased risk of developing fungal infections. If you or your loved ones have any of these symptoms, consult a qualified doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
Removing the mold you can see is only half the job — making sure it never comes back is the other half, and that comes down to moisture, not bleach. Have an expert like Mark Clymore at Clymore Mold fully remove the active mold, then keep your home below the 55% humidity where mold goes dormant. Mark doesn’t just treat the surface; he finds and corrects the moisture source — the leak, the grade, the unconditioned crawlspace — so it can’t return. As ongoing maintenance, watch for moisture and early mildew and correct the conditions that cause it (leaking pipes, condensation, infiltration, or flooding) right away:
After that, as part of routine home maintenance activities, inspect your home or business for evidence of moisture and visible signs of mildew. If necessary, correct conditions that cause mildew growth (such as leaking pipes, condensation, infiltration or flooding).
After that;
Mold isn’t just an inconvenience — left alone it can cost you thousands and make your family sick. The good news is that it’s preventable: keep your home below 55% humidity and fix moisture problems fast. And if you already suspect mold, get in touch with Mark Clymore for an honest, on-site inspection — he’ll find the source and tell you straight what it takes to fix it.
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