7 Facts You Should Know About Mold And Mold Problems

7 Facts You Should Know About Mold And Mold Problems

Mold is one of those four-letter words that can make people shudder. The truth is that it is everywhere, all around us, and unavoidable. But some mold can fast become a serious issue, putting your health at risk and potentially even costing you thousands of dollars in repairs and medical bills.

Here Are 7 Important Facts You Need To Know To About Mold Problems In The Home

1. Mold Is Everywhere, And It’s Not All Bad

Molds are fungi that spread through spores that float through the air unseen. They are ever present both indoors and out and exist in both cold and warm climates. Although molds tend to quickly grow in moist areas, they do exist in dry air too.

It’s important to note that not all molds are bad. For those individuals that may be sensitive to mold however, even common molds can cause problems.

2. Even Dead Mold Can Trigger Allergies

It’s a little-known fact that dead molds themselves can still aggravate allergies and mold sensitivities. Molds have a benign outer casing that can cause an allergic reaction in people with sensitivities. Also, when mold is dying, or being killed, it is known to release spores in order to continue its survival. Even though the original mold may die, the outer casing and spores can still wreak havoc on those with sensitivities.

3. Bleach Does Not Always Kill Mold

Bleach may kill some molds, some of the time, but it definitely doesn’t kill all molds and won’t stop them from growing back.

To really kill mold, enzyme-based mold cleaners can do a better job. Instead of killing the mold, they break it down rendering it safe for those with sensitivities. The enzymes also break down the complete mold including the outer casing and new spores that may be released. This means the mold is less likely to grow back.

4. What Molds Are Toxic For Everyone?

To say molds can be toxic is a bit of a misnomer. According to the Centers For Disease Control, certain molds are toxigenic. This means they are capable of producing mycotoxins, but are not toxic themselves. Some of the molds that are capable of producing mycotoxins include Cladosporium, Fusarium Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium.

5. Where Are These Bad Molds Found?

Bad molds that can produce mycotoxins are commonly found in soil, on dead plants, cellulose-rich materials, insulation or fabric, water-damaged carpets, humidifiers and also in grain, to name a few places. The problem arises when they have the right environment to multiply to the point where the air you breathe becomes saturated with the toxins they produce.

Certain molds may not pose a danger unless they are allowed to colonize in a confined environment such as a house or garage or other enclosed area. Damp, moist areas that lack airflow offer the best conditions for mold growth, but mold can and does grow everywhere.

6. What Molds Can Cause Serious Health Issues

Among the worst kinds of mold is Stachybotrys. This is a greenish-black, slimy mold that is often referred to as “black mold”. It is found only on cellulose materials such as paper or wood that has been wet for at least a few days. Stachybotrys does not grow on concrete, linoleum or tile.
Stachybotrys (pictured left) can easily grow in the home on wet wallboard or wood studs, especially in enclosed areas. It’s important to note that even in enclosed areas like behind walls, mold spores and mycotoxins can permeate the wallboard and infiltrate the entire house.

It is not known what levels can cause health problems in humans, but symptoms from exposure can include respiratory problems, skin inflammation, hemorrhage, irritation of the mucous membranes, damage to internal organs, mental impairment, tiredness, nausea, immune system suppression, irritated eyes or throat, and diarrhea. In extreme cases Stachybotrys has even lead to death.

Other species of bad molds are in the Aspergillus family. Aspergillus Versicolor and Aspergillus Fumigatus can pose a serious health threat. The toxins produced from these molds can cause diarrhea and upset stomach, or even worse, are associated with kidney and liver cancer.

Aspergillus Fumigatus is another dangerous fungus. There has been a recent upsurge in severe and usually fatal invasive aspergillosis, now the most common mold infection worldwide.

Chaetomium is an Ascospore that is found predominantly outdoors. It is another fungus known to cause health problems ranging from brain abscess, peritonitis and cutaneous lesions to Onychomycosis (nail fungus).

7. If You Suspect Mold In Your Home, It’s Important To Do A Mold Test

If you suspect you may have mold in your home, it’s very easy to test for it. There are several tests available on the market. One of the easiest and most convenient is The 5-Minute Mold Test from Healthful Home Products. This test includes a few simple tools to gather mold samples and conduct the test, then get results in less than 5 minutes.

This 5-Minute Mold Test tells you if mold is present and also indicates the presence one of the dangerous mold, Stachybotrys.

To protect your family from the dangers of mold, be aware of any places in the home that may be damp and moist. Healthful Home Products offers several treatment products for mold and bacteria, should they be a threat around the home. For more information, visit www.healthfulhome.com.