People often hear the term “mold,” and it usually brings to mind bad smells and dark, mysterious growth in the corners of bathrooms--but what exactly is mold? Where does it grow? What makes it harmful? These questions (and others) will be answered below.
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus. It’s made up of tiny organisms that come in a variety of colors, including green, white, black, purple, and orange. Mold spreads via mold spores, which are carried through the air both outdoors and indoors.
You might be surprised to find out that mold actually has a useful function in nature: to help plant material decompose.
What Causes Mold Growth?
You’re exposed to mold on a daily basis, usually in the form of spores, but don’t be alarmed just yet. The spores themselves--in small amounts--are generally harmless, but problems occur when the spores grow in concentration or when they attach to a surface and spread.
Mold spores require the following conditions in order to grow into mold:
- Moisture (the #1 reason for mold growth in most homes)
- A source of food (such as drywall)
- Warmth
- Oxygen
- Darkness (ultraviolet light prevents mold growth)
If the conditions are right, once the mold spores attach to a surface, mold can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
Where Does Mold Grow?
Mold can grow in any room in your house, which is why it’s important to check every room. That being said, these are the most common rooms where mold is found:
- Basements (due to poor ventilation, leaks, or flooding)
- Bathrooms (due to leaks or the excess moisture from showering and bathing)
- Attics (due to roof leaks or poor ventilation)
- Crawl spaces (due to leaks, trapped water, or poor ventilation)
- Kitchens (due to steam and other moisture from cooking and washing)
- Laundry rooms (due to the warmth and moisture produced during laundering)
In rooms less prone to mold growth, it’s still recommended that you check for mold in the following places:
- Air vents
- Around the edges of windows
- Houseplants
- Curtains
- Mattresses
What Makes Mold Harmful?
Some people are more sensitive to molds than others. For those with a mold sensitivity, being in a damp, moldy environment can cause symptoms similar to a cold or an allergic reaction:
- Coughing or wheezing and throat irritation
- Eye irritation
- Nasal congestion
- Skin irritation
People with mold allergies or chronic lung illnesses or immune-compromised people can potentially get serious infections as a result of mold exposure.
It should also be noted that mold exposure may increase a child’s risk of developing asthma. Recent studies have indicated that there may be a link between early mold exposure and the development of asthma in certain children, especially those who could be genetically susceptible to developing asthma.
To reduce the risk of mold growth in your home, contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for air duct, attic, and crawl space cleaning and help with water damage.
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