What is Mold, Exactly?
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, dark environments. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can settle and grow on surfaces that provide the necessary conditions for their survival. Mold spores are all around us, all the time, although we cannot see them. Mold spores can remain dormant almost indefinitely, waking up and reproducing when the right conditions exist.
What Does it Look Like?
There are over 100,000 known types of mold. Mold can vary in color and appearance depending on the species, nutrient source, moisture level, and amount of light present. It can be green, black, white, yellow, or brown. It may have a fuzzy, powdery, or slimy texture. The huge number of mold species, and highly variable appearance makes visually identifying a specific type of mold almost impossible.
Is Mold Dangerous?
Molds can be put into three categories based on their affect on humans.
Allergenic
Unlikely to cause illness, although these species may irritate allergies. Many people react differently. These can cause nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, throat irritation, skin rashes, or exacerbation of asthma symptoms.
Pathogenic
Pathogenic molds cause infection in people who are immunocompromised. Species of mold that can survive inside the body are relatively rare.
Toxigenic
Toxic to humans and animals. The mold itself is not toxic, but the chemical byproducts it creates as it digests food sources contain mycotoxins, which cause a toxic response in humans. These mycotoxins exist separately from both the mold colonies and the mold spores themselves, and may travel through the air on small dust particles.
What is "Black Mold"?
The term "black mold" is a little misleading. Of the 100,000 known types of mold, many are black. What people usually mean by "black mold" is Stachybotrys chartarum. This species has been heavily covered in the media and is often referred to as "toxic black mold". It thrives on materials that are high in cellulose, such as fiberboard, gypsum board (drywall), and wallpaper. It grows in the presence of high moisture resulting from things like water damage, leaks, condensation, or flooding. It requires sustained moisture to grow.
Not all black-colored molds are harmful. Not all harmful molds are black. The reality is more complicated.
How Do I Prevent Mold?
To prevent mold growth, it is important to control moisture levels within your home. Keep humidity levels around 50% by using dehumidifiers or proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Fix any leaks promptly, ensure proper drainage through your gutter system and around your home, and properly insulate and finish walls to prevent condensation.
Additional preventive measures include:
Regularly clean and dry areas prone to moisture, such as shower curtains, windowsills, and behind furniture that is near a wall.
Avoid carpeting in areas prone to moisture, as it can trap moisture and foster mold growth.
Ensure proper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces to prevent stagnant air and moisture buildup.
Is "Dead" Mold Still Harmful?
Mold seldom "dies", instead, it becomes dormant until the environmental conditions are right for it to grow again. If mold is dormant, the metabolic process that creates mycotoxins is also dormant. The biggest risk with dormant mold, is that it may "wake up" if the right environmental conditions come along.
What if I Find Mold?
If you discover mold growth in your home, it is crucial to handle it safely to minimize exposure and prevent further spread. The first step is to identify and remove the moisture source, whatever it may be. Even if you clean up mold, it will just grow back if the correct environmental conditions still exist.
Once you take care of the moisture problem, it's time to clean up the mold. Here are the steps to follow:
Wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator.
Contain the affected area by sealing it off from the rest of the house with plastic sheeting.
Remove any porous materials affected by mold growth, such as carpeting or drywall.
Clean non-porous surfaces with a mixture of water and detergent or a specialized mold cleaner.
Thoroughly dry the area and monitor for any signs of recurring moisture or mold growth.
Can I Bleach it?
Using chemicals like peroxide or bleach misses the point of mold cleanup. These chemicals may render a spore unviable (unable to reproduce) but it is impossible to get every spore. Remember, the mycotoxins don't go away just because the spore can't reproduce. Those toxins will still be there even if you bleach the mold.
The purpose of cleanup is to get the amount of mold in the home back down to a normal safe level. In order to do that, remove all visible mold through the methods described above. Once the mold is removed, there is no need to bleach anything.
What if I Find a LOT of Mold?
Cleanup of mold can generally be done safely as long as the proper precautions are taken. However, if there is a large amount, or it's somewhere like an attic or crawlspace, it might be worth it to hire a professional. There are many contractors who specialize in mold abatement and cleanup. These companies can also offer sampling of the mold to determine the type, as well as air-quality measurements afterward to ensure the job was done right.
Key Points:
Mold is a type of fungus that reproduces through spores in damp environments.
There are various types, colors, and textures of mold.
Mold exposure can lead to health issues, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.
Preventing mold growth involves controlling moisture levels and preventing leaks.
Not all black molds are harmful, and not all harmful molds are black.
When cleaning up mold, wear protective gear, and clean the area thoroughly with soap and water, harsh chemicals are not necessary.
Don't be afraid to hire a professional.