What Is Mold?

Despite probably knowing very little, mold is something you are constantly hearing about these days. From homepage advertisements to nightly news reports, everyone is raging about mold and how dangerous it is. It’s highly possible that you even know what mold looks like, but that is just the beginning.

Did you know that there are actually many different species of mold? Did you know that, like animals, the varying species will appear different in color, shape, and size? Heck, not even all molds are considered dangerous. This is what you need to learn to prevent being taken advantage of.

A Study Of Mold

At the very roots, mold is nothing more than your typical fungus. It consists of varying degrees of small organisms that come together to create one ultimate organism. These small organisms that make this mold can appear anywhere while also varying in size, shape, and color. Typically, it is the gathering of groups of these small organisms that create black mold. So, the next time you spot a stain or spot of black mold, you can look at it and know that it is comprised of many different, smaller organisms.

Blue and green molds are also constructed in the same manner. The coloration, size, and shape of the mold are only determined by the type of organisms and their initial nutrient source, surface substrate, and the growth’s age. As was already said, there are literally thousands of different mold species found throughout the world. Interestingly enough, many of them can be found outside as well as inside.

That being said, mold needs a dark, damp area to really grow and thrive. Many of these species are contributed to disease and food spoilage, while many other species only play a small part in the biodegradation of foods, beverages, antibiotics, and enzymes. In the most basic of terms, mold is a living, breathing thing! In some cases, the varying species of mold can be medically beneficial. You’ve heard of penicillin, right? It’s only the world’s foremost life-saving antibiotic that completely changed the medical industry so many years ago.

Understanding Mold Growth In The Home

No one wants to hear that they are exposed to mold growth daily. Unfortunately, that’s just the unavoidable truth. Even in your newly cleaned home, you are likely breathing in mold spores. Mold spores are infinitely present in the surrounding air, although in trace amounts. Trace amounts that are so small that they can’t be spotted with the naked eye. It isn’t until these mold spores gather on a surface and grow that they become potentially dangerous. And even then they might not be dangerous in left undisturbed.

So, tiny lightweight spores travel throughout the air, looking for a dark, damp area to land and begin reproduction. Once the spores have found a suitable home, that home will only attract other lightweight spores. That mold will continue to grow onto that surface until something is done about it. Like every living, growing entity this growth has needs in order to further is life. Mold‘s biggest need is moisture!

It doesn’t even necessarily need to be excessive moisture from condensation or leaky pipes. It can simply be moisture from routine showers, washing, and cooking. Of course, a moisturized environment created by excessive condensation or leaky plumbing pipes will afford the spores the ability to grow more rapidly. Poor ventilation and higher humidity levels will only be other contributors to that rapid growth. Allowing these spores to collect and grow unmitigated will only seriously compromise your home, health, and that of your family. The idea goal here is to try to eliminate these potential growing grounds.

Tend to leaky pipes and excessive condensation immediately, run an exhaust fan when your bath and shower, be diligent about washing dishes and create proper humidity and ventilation when and where it is needed.

Identifying Mold

Like most living things, mold is extremely complex. Some species are much more so than others. Therefore, trying to learn to identify the varying species and determine whether or not they are dangerous can be quite the task. As a matter of fact, once mold gathers on a surface, that section almost becomes non-threatening because it doesn’t necessarily release any more spores into the air. It only attracts other spores from the air to that area.

It usually isn’t until someone interacts with the growing life form that it becomes dangerous. When you poke and prod at the porous, black surface growing on your drywall it will begin releasing spores. That’s when the real danger starts because those spores can and will likely be ingested by nearby inhabitants. All mold handling should be approached with masks, gloves, safety suits, and the building of plastic tents.

A Free Mold Inspection

Simply put, it is best to let a professional guide you through your mold tribulations. Our highly trained and capable testing teams will not only safely test and identify mold, but we’ll also remove it for you if and when necessary. We provide free quotes, consultations, and in-home testing for mold. If you suspect your home or office is ripe with mold give our local offices a call today.