What is Mold? Do I have Mold? Get The Facts!





		Mold What is Mold? Molds are the digesters and recyclers of almost any organic material. They can grow almost anywhere, requiring moisture, oxygen and a food source to survive. Mold spreads by producing spores which disperse and start new colonies. Mold spores have been found almost everywhere from underground to the upper atmosphere. These organisms are extremely durable and adaptable, and can survive in the harshest conditions. Molds are genetically adaptable, evolving to favor the conditions. When conditions are right, mold populations can explode. They will then continue to grow and reproduce until they have used up the entire food source. Where Does Mold Grow? Molds can grow anywhere when the conditions are right. Mold spores are present in every environment and simply wait until the conditions are favorable. Oxygen-rich environments with either standing liquids or humidity over 70% are optimal for mold growth. Moisture is the key element in mold control and must be eliminated before mold growth will stop. Colonies will grow on any food source which can include wood, paper, carpet, drywall or other household items. Mold is everywhere, all of the time. How Can I Tell if I Have Mold? If you see mold, you have mold. Once a colony has been established, it will continue to grow and expand until the food source is eliminated. If you smell a musty odor, you probably have mold. If you or any member of your family are having respiratory problems, you may have mold. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, sore throat, asthma and rhinitis. If symptoms improve when you leave home or work, it is very likely that you have mold. Mold can contribute to many illnesses including allergies, asthma, hypersensitive pneumonitis, humidifier fever, infections and mycotoxicosis. Mold is a growing health problem in local homes and businesses. In fact, in a 1994 Harvard School of Public Health Study, nearly half of the homes studied had mold. Mold has been directly linked to a number of health problems including asthma, sinus infections and other respiratory problems. Identifying Mold at Home or Work Though unwelcome in our homes and businesses, mold is actually a naturally-occuring part of our healthy ecology. Mold can be found almost everywhere, usually in moderate amounts. In certain environments, however, mold can flourish and cause a problem - and when mold begins to grow, it releases spores which can cause allergic reactions, asthma, infections and other respiratory problems. These same spores then help to spread the mold, causing further damage and contamination. Just like any other living organism, mold requires food and water to survive. Damp places are typically the first areas to inspect when looking for mold. Basements, attics, garages and other poorly ventilated areas are prime locations for mold growth. Mold often grows as a result of flooding, leaky roofs, sewer backflows or plumbing leaks. Once a surface gets wet, it becomes a prime target for mold growth. When mold growth is not visible, it can be detected by a musty odor. Mold growth should be treated swiftly by a professional, as it causes structural damage in addition to the many health risks. Left untreated on a surface such as wood, mold will begin to break down the surface, weakening it and causing a potential structural problem. Exposing one's body to mold can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, sore throat, asthma, rhinitis and nasal congestion. What Can be Done? There are few options when it comes to ridding your home or business of mold and proper removal of mold (called remediation) requires specialized equipment and knowledge of how mold spreads. Fortunately, A&J Specialty Services, Inc. has the equipment and experience to help eliminate your mold problem. For the past two years, A&J has offered mold remediation for both residential and commercial customers. Mold remediation involves eliminating the mold, potential food sources and moisture. Without elimination of each of these components, the mold may return. Š2001 A&J Specialty Services, Inc.