"Mold" is a microscopic organism, which grows from spores. Spores are everywhere in our environment and are usually inactive. However, when the relative humidity exceeds 60% or a condition of continual dampness persists they will begin to germinate and multiply (colonize). If you detect a musty odor or see visible discoloration or growth, you may have mold.
Where does mold grow inside?
When molds grow indoors, spores become concentrated in the indoor air, and can cause health problems when they are inhaled in large numbers. Excess moisture usually occurs in many areas of homes or buildings: air-conditioning units, basements, attics, and crawl spaces, bathrooms & kitchens, carpets, heating and air-conditioning ducts, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, refrigerator drip pans, and water & sewer pipes.
Why is mold a concern?
Identifying mold is important because it is a common cause of asthma and/or allergic reaction with sensitized people. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay.
What is Toxic Black Mold?
"Black Toxic Mold" is a term coined by the media and ususually refers to Stachybotrys types of mold. Many molds are black and can cause health problems, so the term is not a widely accepted term used by the scientific community
Select one of the molds to the left to learn more.
