Generally speaking, mold is a type of fungi that is neither plant nor animal. This means, unlike plants, it cannot derive energy from the sun or actively “hunt” for food like an animal. Therefore, mold must be opportunistic to survive. In order to reproduce, it regularly sends microscopic spores into the air searching for a suitable environment to live. Mold only needs a few requirements to survive: water, warm temperatures and an organic food source. Once it has located the perfect environment, it can begin to germinate (spread and reproduce) remarkably fast, sometimes within 24 hours! This is why we often see a mold bloom after severe flooding or other types of water damage.
As undesirable as mold is in the home, it plays a vital role outside the home. One of the main functions of fungi is to break down dead or decaying organic material and recycle it for reuse by plants and animals. It's nature's most efficient recycling system! As essential as this function is in nature, mold can act as a parasite and wreak havoc on our INDOOR environment. Many of your home's building materials are "organic" and if given the right conditions, can become the perfect habitat for mold.
Even More Concerning.
More concerning is that some molds are able to produce toxins, (commonly called mycotoxins) that severely compromise our indoor air quality and almost always elicit a negative and sometimes deadly toxic response by our immune system, regardless of sensitivity to other types of molds. In the June 9, 2006 report Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects In the Aftermath Of Hurricanes and Major Floods, the CDC concludes that “Excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials can cause adverse health effects in susceptible persons regardless of the type of mold or the extent of the contamination.”
Needless to say, mold can be a big problem for our home and health. Years ago, mold was merely an inconvenience to homeowners but air quality of the home is something every person should consider. People are spending more time indoors and are beginning to piece together the connection between poor health and mold in their homes. The best method of protection for your home and health is prevention. Here are a few facts to remember:
