I think mold is growing in my home, why is this happening?

Mold spores are everywhere in the environment. Mold is a necessary part of the eco-system and is responsible for breaking down dead organic matter. Mold helps get rid of leaves, limbs and dead trees as well as other natural substances. Mold is actually made up of tiny spores that are microscopic and invisible alone. Mold spores actually float in the air around us. These spores grow into colonies when they land on surfaces that are damp and have a food source. The easiest way to control mold is to remove the moisture.

What health problems are associated with mold?

Molds can cause allergic reactions in individuals. It can be anywhere from just an irritant to a toxic substance depending on the type of mold. These reactions may include runny nose, skin rashes, red/puffy eyes, headaches, difficulty breathing, rapid heart beat, sleepiness, or simple sneezing. Mold has been around since the biblical days. Plagues have even killed people as well as destroyed plants that we depend on. Inhaling/touching mold can cause sensitive individuals to react. We continue to learn more and more about mold and its effect daily. Normally we can control mold indoors, but nature is responsible for the outdoors. Many references for IAQ are available form various health organizations and from the state and local health departments.

What can I do to remove Mold?


Getting rid of mold is practically impossible. Mold is in the air. Controlling the airborne mold is one of the best solutions. Keep the mold from getting to moisture and you control its presence. If mold is in your home --- you need to control it. Get rid of the mold and remove the water problems that caused it. If you do not fix the problem --- it will return.

Should I test for Mold in my home?


If you see mold growing ---- you know it is present. The human senses are an important part of mold detection. If you can see it or smell it --- take action. Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. Many new biological products are being developed and studied for the control of mold. If you suspect mold and want to do laboratory testing, be sure to use a certified inspector or an Industrial Hygienist. Insure that all laboratory testing follows analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

How Do You Know When You Have Finished Remediation/Cleanup?

1. You must have completely fixed the water or moisture problem.
2. You should complete mold removal. Use professional judgment to determine if the cleanup is sufficient. Visible mold, mold-damaged materials, and moldy odors should not be present.
3. If you have sampled, the kinds and concentrations of mold and mold spores in the building should be similar to those found outside, once cleanup activities have been completed.
4. You should revisit the site(s) shortly after remediation, and it should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.
5. People should be able to occupy or re-occupy the space without health complaints or physical symptoms.
6. Ultimately, this is a judgment call; there is no easy answer.

Where does mold grow?

Molds can be found growing on almost any substance. It can be found growing on wood, carpet, walls, paper or on fruits and vegetables. The one thing it must have is moisture.

Why is the HVAC Equipment such an important part of mold control?

Mold likes dark warm places to grow --- what better place then in the HVAC system. Microbiological growth happens in drip pans, ductwork, coils, and humidifiers. Improper venting of combustion products can also cause mold to grow. Dust or debris in ductwork promotes areas for mold growth. Controlling what happens in the HVAC system will have a profound affect in the entire environment. Keep the mold from growing here and you will reduce the amount that is circulated to other surfaces. Biological products/agents may help in controlling unwanted mold.

Should I be concerned about a serious health risks assciated with toxic mold?

According to the CDC, the hazards presented by molds that may contain mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. There is always a little mold everywhere - in the air and on many surfaces. There are very few case reports that toxic molds (those containing certain mycotoxins) inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxic mold and these conditions has not been proven. A common-sense approach should be used for any mold contamination existing inside buildings and homes. The common health concerns from molds include hay fever-like allergic symptoms. Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may experience difficulty breathing. Individuals with immune suppression may be at increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment. For the most part, one should take routine measures to prevent mold growth in the home.

How common is mold in buildings?

According to the CDC, molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. We do not have accurate information about how often Stachybotrys chartarum is found in buildings and homes. While it is less common than other mold species, it is not rare.

How do molds get in the indoor environment and how do they grow?

According to the CDC, molds naturally grow in the indoor environment. Mold spores may also enter your house through open doorways, windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to people and animals, making clothing, shoes, bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors.
When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.

What is Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra)?

According to the CDC, Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth. It is not necessary, however, to determine what type of mold you may have. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.

Should anyone vacate a building because of problems with mold?

According to the CDC, these decisions have to be made individually. If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in a building, you should consult your physician to determine the appropriate action to take.

Who are most at risk for health problems associated with mold?

According to the CDC, people with allergies may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections.

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