General Information on Mold

Molds are fungi. Mold is present pretty much everywhere in our lives and environment. Cladosprium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium are some of the more common species, however there are over 1,000 fairly common species of mold in North America. Being just about everywhere, it is a good thing that most of the mold species we are routinely in contact with are not hazardous under normal conditions.

Moisture, nutrients, and the correct temperature range is all that is needed for mold to grow and proliferate. Molds allow for the breakdown of organic matter such as dead plants and are present in soil, foods, and other items. Molds cans also be found growing in buildings on such materials as gypsum, wood, plaster, ceiling tiles and many other fibrous, porous materials. Even items such as fiberglass, nonporous tiles, glass and steel can have colonization of mold (often times this is due to the presence of organic matter on these items).

Molds reproduce by releasing spores. The live spores can lead to further colonization and spread of mold contamination with in indoor environments. Spores can travel and lead to visible growth in the future once conditions are suitable in their environment. Dead spores can also be a nuisance triggering allergic reactions in some susceptible individuals or toxic reactions in normally healthy persons.

Excessive exposure to even common molds can result in exasperation of existing health conditions such as allergies and asthma. This is especially true when mold colonizes and results in uncontrolled, excessive growth. Some molds may also produce mycotoxins, as part of their metabolism, that are toxic chemical compounds. Molds can be ingested entering the body through skin and mucous membranes where they then colonize. The types and severity of resulting health effects can vary based on the exposure and reactions can range tremendously even from person to person.

The most common symptoms are allergic reactions such as nasal and sinus congestions, tightness in the chest, cough, skin or eye irritation, respiratory infections and breathing difficulties.

Often times indoor mold growth is due to excessive humidity and/or water infiltration due to roof leaks, flooding, condensation and other single or ongoing issues. A prerequisite to remedying mold contamination issues is the elimination of the water or moisture source within the indoor environment.

Stachybotrys Chartarum (black area) found on drywall:

Stachybotrys is a genus of mold with species known to produce several different mycotoxins and is commonly associated with health effects in people. This green-black mold (not all black molds are stachybotrys) can grow on material with high cellulose content subjected to excessive moisture due to water leaks, condensation, flooding and other moisture sources. It can be found on common materials such as wood, gypsum board, ceiling tiles, and other similar materials. Symptoms can arise with elevated airborne concentrations resulting in cold like symptoms, sinusitis, asthma, dermatitis, and conjunctivitis. Other related symptoms include fatigue and inability to concentrate, and symptoms usually subside once the contamination is removed. Of particular concern are some studies linking exposure to stachybotrys with pulmonary hemosiderosis (results in bleeding in the lungs). Stachy as it is commonly called has received a lot of press in recent years with the evidence not conclusive as to how severe its effects actually are.

Current regulations for mold and fungi are limited with no clear standards set for occupational or "safe" exposure levels for the general public, making decisions on mold contamination and remediation unclear. What is clear is that the first step in controlling mold is to control or eliminate its source of moisture.