Indoor mold growth can be visible or hidden. Visible mold growth may appear cottony, velvety, rough, and can be many colors, such as white, grey, black, brown, green, yellow, etc. One key indicator of mold growth is a musty odor. The mold smell is a result of mVOCs/ gasses being released into the air, which means that mold is actively eating/ growing. However, it is common for mold growth to spread unnoticed in hidden/ inaccessible areas of your home for long periods of time, including in air conditioning systems/ ductwork, attics, crawl spaces, behind drywall and tile, etc.
Mold is fungus that serves as nature’s recycler by breaking down organic matter and can be found anywhere that life exists. Given the right conditions, mold can grow on most surfaces, including plastic, metal, glass, tile, drywall, concrete, etc. Mold reproduces by spreading mold spores, which are carried through the air. Mold has evolved to be one of the most highly efficient colonizing creatures on earth and can remain dormant/inactive for thousands of years waiting for the right conditions to continue growing.
Mold spreads/ reproduces by releasing mold spores that act as seeds and are carried into your home via the air, insects, pets, clothes/ shoes/ hair, etc. Mold releases mVOCs (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds)/ gasses and toxic compounds called Mycotoxins, which can be immunosuppressive and can cause many adverse health effects in humans and other animals, including disease and death. Mold spores can be harmful if ingested, inhaled, or by touching your skin. Mold can even grow on your lungs, resulting Aspergilloma or Mycetoma. Other adverse health effects include allergic reactions, respiratory problems, rashes, dizziness, headaches, etc. In addition to adverse health effects, mold can compromise the structural integrity of your home by eating away the building materials. It is very important to identify and remediate mold growth before it is too late.
If you suspect mold growth in your home, are purchasing a property, or are simply looking for a piece of mind, call the professionals for a mold assessment/ evaluation. Your health depends on it!
