Mold Growth

Mold infestation can be found everywhere in nature, including homes. Mold growth on indoor surfaces is usually due to moisture on the substrate surface. Mold growth commonly starts within 24 hours of water intrusion and requires at least 15-20% moisture content of the substrate on which it attaches for proper germination. The more common molds that most homeowners encounter can be classified into three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic. Mold growth in a home built on a concrete slab can be an indication of a plumbing water leak beneath the slab.

Allergenic Mold

Allergenic molds can require removal by a professional, but most allergenic molds can be removed with home disinfecting products. Mold is not truly alive but comprises microorganisms called fungi that obtain their food from dead organic matter in order to survive. Mold is normally not dangerous unless it becomes uncontrolled or its spores are released in high concentrations. Mold growth can be found wherever there is water damage in a building. Mold thrives on cellulose-based materials that are high in nitrogen, including drywall, insulation, ceiling tiles, wood products, and paper goods. Unfinished basements with exposed dirt floors are also ideal for mold growth. These spores can produce allergens or irritants to certain individuals when they come into contact with the mold spores. Mold infestation will result in health issues if it becomes uncontrolled within living areas. Mold infesting food must be removed by cleaning it thoroughly before storing because of its tendency to cause allergy symptoms or gastrointestinal problems.

The most common mold types include:

• Cladosporium sphaerospermum
• Alternaria sp.
• Stachybotrys chartarum

Pathogenic Mold

Molds that pathogenic should be left for removal by a professional. These pathogenic molds are potentially pathogenic to humans and animals, which is one of the reasons they must be removed by a professional.

The most common pathogenic mold types include:

• Aspergillus sp.
• Penicillium sp.
• Stachybotrys chartarum

Some pathogenic molds can also become pathogenic under certain conditions, including low immune response in infants or individuals with respiratory diseases, chemotherapy treatment, immunosuppressant therapy among organ transplant patients, or exposure to high levels of mycotoxins present in the environment.

Toxic Mold

Toxic mold is typically not found in the home but rather in industrial, agricultural settings where it is pathogenic. Toxic molds are pathogenic to humans and animals.

The most common toxic mold types include:

• Stachybotrys chartarum
• Memnoniella echinata

Some pathogenic molds can also become pathogenic under certain conditions, including low immune response in infants or individuals with respiratory diseases, chemotherapy treatment, immunosuppressant therapy among organ transplant patients, or exposure to high levels of mycotoxins present in the environment.