Mold is a type of fungus that can commonly grow on a wide variety of surfaces across both indoor and outdoor environments. The main part of the fungus consists of a network of thin, transparent filaments known as hyphae. Where there is a great deal of mold growing together in one particular place, it can often appear to be black, green, grey or white in color.
Mold can wreak havoc on both our health and comfort levels and can produce symptomatic responses that can vary from mild (light irritating cough) to very severe (impede neurological functioning).
Molds and Fungus are known to grow on a wide variety of surfaces and materials. Some of the most common are:
- Soil
- Decaying plant parts
- Food
- Fabrics
- Damp walls
- Organic materials
Mold reproduce by releasing a large number of tiny spores into our environment. These spores have the ability to travel around your building envelope, HVAC system, and be carried around your environment from room to room on our bodies. As mold is very opportunistic, these spores are looking for nutrients so that they may start a new or cross contamination and continue to proliferate. When the spores land on a surface where there is moisture (dampness, humidity, condensation) and a nutrient (dust) they will start to grow again and result in a new growth/cross contamination. Mold spores are very tough and can withstand both drying and freezing. Even when a mold contamination dies off due to unwelcome conditions, the spores can continue to thrive and create the potential for future contamination growth.
Mold can be useful too though;
- They are essential for the breakdown of dead organic matter in the natural environment
- They are a valuable source of antibiotics and drugs
- They are employed in the production of some foods
If you suspect a mold contamination, or the presence of mold spores within your home or office, it is important to have it properly investigated by a professional mold inspection and air quality testing professional. When choosing a service provider, it is always best to select a company that deals in mold inspection and testing services only, and does not engage or offer any sort of mold removal or remediation services. This avoids any conflict of interest or self-serving results geared at selling you costly services you may not require.