10 FUN(?) FACTS ABOUT MOLD!

1. Outdoors, mold exists nearly everywhere.

2. There are over 10,000 species of mold.

3. Mold helps break down, or decompose, organic material.

4. Every home has mold, somewhere.

5. Not all mold is harmfully toxic but it can certainly cause allergy problems.

6. Stachybotrys, a form of toxic mold, is actually uncommon and usually found only in homes that have been flooded or have other severe, prolonged water damage.

7. One common antibiotic is actually a purified mold - penicillium notatum, or penicillin.

8. Mold growth in a home is not limited to those with flooding and water damage - any prolonged exposure to moisture such as a lawn sprinkler, condensation, steam (as from an unvented shower in the bathroom) or periodic leaking left to itself will also encourage mold growth.

9. It is possible, maybe even probable, that your homeowner insurance may specifically exclude coverage for damage directly related to mold.

10. Mold spores can not be eliminated from indoor environments; BUT they will only grow in the presence of moisture.

Outside, mold is an important and helpful part of the environmnet. Mold destroys what it comes in contact with; just as penicillin kills the bacteria that crosses its path. Mold helps to break down decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves, timber, etc. Once mold comes indoors to roost, however, the friendly benefits cease and the problems begin. Mold will ruin clothing, paint, wood, carpeting, furniture, and books, infiltrating and snaking through porous surfaces like a clinging, parasitic vine.

Why is there such a surge of problems related to mold, when until recently the terms "toxic mold" and "sick building syndrome" were virtually unheard of? One suggestion is that building standards have changed so much in recent years.

In an effort to make our homes more energy effecient, more stringent air circulation guidelines cause our homes to retain more moisture. We are exchanging one problem for another...though the mold can certainly be dealt with if caught in time.

Mold presence does not have to be the end of the world. Several key factors in controlling mold in the home include eliminating the moisture problem that cause the mold in the first place, thoroughly cleaning the affected surface, and if necessary, replacing the materials infected.

Disposable N95 respirators, goggles (without vents), and gloves should be part of the cleaning attire no matter how small the area. Mold spores are released into the air when disturbed, and can cause any number of reactions if inhaled. People with weak immune systems or respiratory problems should NOT attempt to remediate mold themselves.

If your home has had a leaky roof, any plumbing problems, loose or damaged grout in the bathroom or shower area, windows with a constant presence of condensation, or any other recurring or prolonged instance of moisture, you should expect to find mold.

The EPA recommends that affected areas larger than 10 square feet be remediated by a specialist.

Part 2: The Humongous Fungus Previously Amongus - My Moldy Past

Sources & Further Reading:
EPA Mold Course
Moisture Control in Your Home
Conditions that Promote Mold Growth
Indoor Mold Characteristics

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