MOLD FACTS

Mold on Wall — Chapel HIll, NC — A Healthy Home

Mold is a fungus whose primary purpose is material biodegradation (disintegration of organic matter). In nature, mold enables rot by excreting enzymes via mycelium, a process, which is vital for all ecosystems. However, when this natural process is left unregulated in the home, it can cause devastating effects on structural integrity and your physical health.

MOLD SPORES

Due to the integral role of fungi (mold) in the ecosystem, mold spores are resilient. While mold needs moisture (relative humidity 68% or higher), food (organic matter), and optimum temperature Fahrenheit (50 – 90 degrees) to grow. It does NOT need any of these conditions to survive.

Whenever conditions become unfavorable, mold responds by releasing thousands of microscopic spores which will search for a host material so they can begin to grow into their own colony. During this host search is when mold can become especially dangerous to human health. Airborne spores can be inhaled, ingested and absorbed through the skin.

MOLD CLASSES (TOXICITY)

ALLERGENIC

Most mold species encountered indoors and in nature are allergenic. However high concentrations of allergenic mold can cause irritation to skin, eyes and throat and have been linked to asthma. Common examples include; Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria…

PATHOGENIC

Pathogenic molds are capable of causing fungal infection, immunosuppression, and mycoses. Examples include; Acremonium, Aspergillus Fumigatus (toxigenic/pathogenic e.g – Aspergillosis) and Candida. Often pathogenic molds are hard to distinguish between toxigenic molds due to their “toxic” nature. However, different from toxigenic molds, not ALL pathogenic molds are capable of releasing mycotoxins.

TOXIGENIC

Toxigenic molds are capable of emitting mycotoxins (a potent carcinogen). Toxigenic molds have been linked with sinusitis, severe asthma and infection to the central nervous system. Examples include Stachybotrys (black mold), Fusarium and Aspergillus Niger.

Mold Cleaning — Chapel HIll, NC — A Healthy Home

CONCLUSION

Now that we’ve established that all mold poses a unique threat to the human body. Let’s look at what’s most important. A Healthy Home has the answer to your mold problem.

The Key 3’s of all mold species

Oxygen
Humidity
Food Source

Remove any one of “The Key 3’s” and you remove the viability for mold growth. Therefore, our main process for mitigating mold is humidity control. (59% or lower). Because we can’t survive without oxygen, and it’s impossible to remove every organic substance from a home or workspace. (Mold can grow on dust that settles on inorganic materials)

Dehumidification is the only practical method.

Dehumidification does more than simply removing the viability for mold and bacterial growth. If you have wooden floors you remove the potential for crowning and cupping. If you have an issue with excessive dust. Dust mites need 65-80% humidity to survive comfortably. Humidity control in the crawlspace will eradicate any potential for rodent and insect habitat (suppressing the major components of bacterial amplification in the home). Enjoy the effects or dehumidification and contact a specialist at A Healthy Home today, so we can restore your home to a livable and healthy condition. We follow OSHA standards and are fully licensed, insured, and certified, so call (919)-918-0200 today for a free estimate!