Mold Frequently Asked Questions

What is mold?

Mold has existed throughout history and has even been evidenced in the bible. See Leviticus 14:33-45.  Mold is part of the natural environment. In the outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees.  Mold represents a subgroup of fungi which can grow where damp condition exists such as wood, leather, carpets, clothing, drywall, sheet rock and insulation. There are many types of mold, none of which will grow without water or moisture.

How long does it take for mold to grow?

When water intrusion occurs in indoor environments, mold can spawn within as little 48 hours.

How does mold grow?

Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores. These spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold begins to grow when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. These spores can 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, mold will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow.

Can mold cause health issues?

Because molds produce allergens and irritants, it is common for exposed individuals to experience:

• hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose and red eyes
• a skin rash
• irritated eyes, nose, throat and lungs

However, numerous molds, commonly called “toxic mold,” also produce poisonous substances, primarily associated with their spores, called mycotoxins (mycology is the branch of botany dealing with fungi). Disruptive to our cell structures and cell processes, these toxins have the potential to cause serious harm. Their effects to the human body have been documented using controlled, laboratory conditions. In our everyday indoor environment there is less certainty of symptoms causality, but it is important to note that mycotoxins were proven to be present indoors with victims suffering from:

• pulmonary hemorrhage or pulmonary hemosiderosis (primarily in infants)
• nose bleeds
• immune system suppression (resulting in increasing numbers of infections)
• hair loss
• dermatitis
• chronic fatigue
• psychological depression
• diarrhea
• sore throat
• headaches and other flu-like symptoms

Other symptoms associated with mold include:

• cognitive disorder
• “burning” eyes
• blurred vision
• respiratory illness
• chest pains
• chest tightness
• breathing problems
• shortness of breath
• wheezing
• dry cough
• nasal congestion
• aggravated asthma