Mold causes and detection
There is ALWAYS an underlying moisture problem when mold is present. Typically the moisture is due to man made causes like leaky pipes, broken hot water heaters, condensation, malfunctioning rain spouts, or windows left open during a rain storm. As witnessed in hurricane Katrina, there are natural causes as well, including structure damage due to wind, tornadoes and hurricanes, and floods.
It is virtually impossible to keep mold spores from our living environment, but without moisture and darkness, these spores alone won’t create a mold problem. The living organism, like mycelia for mushrooms, must be present. A spore source, usually airborne, or those carried on hosts such as family pets, arrive in our homes daily, but lack the moisture, warmth, and conducive lighting conditions they don’t take hold. Think about an itchy case of athlete’s foot. It lives in a warm, moist, dark area between its victim’s toes.
Mold spores, the ones that ruin houses and health, require near to total darkness to take hold and multiply. They have difficulty surviving in bright light. One of the first ways mold is detected, beside a musty smell, is when a light source is introduced to a dark place such as poorly lit corners of basements, closets, and in the backs of bathroom and kitchen cupboards.
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.
Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.
Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.
Testing for the presence of mold is not normally required. Its presence is usually all too obvious from the odor that the decaying dead organisms create and through a visual inspection. Homeowners can request a third party inspection by a qualified industrial hygienist. Keith Trembley Builders does not provide this service.