What are Molds?
There are over 100,000 species of mold and mold spores are found everywhere!
Molds are microscopic organisms that produce enzymes to digest organic matter and
spores to reproduce. These organisms are part of the fungi kingdom, a realm shared
with mushrooms, yeast, and mildews. In nature, mold plays a key role in the
decomposition of leaves, wood, and other plant matter. Without mold, we wouldn't
have great foods and medicines, such as cheese and penicillin. However, problems
arise when mold starts digesting organic materials we don't want them to, like our
homes.
How do molds grow in my home?
Once mold spores settle in a home, they need moisture to begin growing and
digesting whatever they are growing on. There are molds that can grow on wood,
ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation. Excessive
moisture levels in a home from say, a leaky roof, high humidity, or flooding, create
conditions that are ideal for molds. Realistically, there is no way to rid
all mold spores from your home; the way to control mold growth is to control moisture.
How can molds affect my health?
Generally, the majority of common molds are not a concern to someone who is
healthy. However if one has allergies or asthma, you may be sensitive to molds.
You may experience skin rashes, running nose, eye irritations, cough, congestion,
and aggravation of asthma. If you have an immune suppression or underlying
lung disease, you may be at increased risk for infections from molds.
Also, some resourceful molds produce toxins called mycotoxins to defend against
other molds and bacteria. Depending on the exposure level, these mycotoxins
may cause toxic effects in people such as fatigue, nausea, headaches, respiratory
and eye irritation.
How do I know if I have a mold problem?
You may seen green or black clusters or specks in the house or smell a "musty"
odor. Seeing and smelling mold is a good indication that there is a mold problem.
However, you cannot always rely upon your senses to locate molds. Hidden mold
can be growing behind wall coverings or ceiling tiles.
Common places to find mold are in areas where water has damaged building materials
and furnishings perhaps from flooding or plumbing leaks. Mold can also be
found growing along walls where warm moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces,
such as inside cold exterior walls, behind dressers, headboards, and in closets.
Rooms with both high water usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry
rooms, and basements are often havens for mold.
Can you test my house for Mold?
Yes we can. Samples of molds can be taken to determine the type of mold present. We also investigate what the cause of the mold may be and recommend what actions should be done to eliminate mold problems.
Lehigh Valley Mold Inspections: Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Emmaus
Pocono Mold Inspections: Stroudsburg, Milford, Mt. Pocono, Windgap, Sciota