MOLD

Mold is a naturally occurring microorganism that grows on organic matter, such as food, wood, drywall, etc. in a moist and warm environment. Mildew, also a type of mold, grows on fabrics such as upholstery and clothing.

Mold can reproduce, with air movement, by spreading microscopic spores from one surface to another. If the spore lands on dry material, it will in turn die. However, if a mold spore lands on a moist surface that is in a damp environment, it will begin to feed on the organic material and begin growing. This colony of mold will also reproduce itself by releasing additional spores into the air and the cycle begins all over again. If a surface remains moist or wet for more than 24-hours, it becomes susceptible to mold growth.

The health risks of mold in a home or business will vary from person to person. Each immune system will react to the mold differently. The amount of mold in a home or business will also determine the health risks at hand.

The most common health risks are asthma and allergy related. Millions of people are allergic to several different varieties of mold and in most cases, those with allergies also have asthma related health issues. Mold spores irritate the tissues in your nasal cavity as well as in your lungs, causing cold or flu-like symptoms in those that are allergic to mold and restricted breathing in asthma prone individuals.

In the average individual, mold can cause an number of reactions from headaches, fatigue, sneezing, red eyes, congestion, throat irritation and much more. For the elderly, mold can severely affect their current state of health due to a already suffering immune system. In children, mold can cause allergy and asthma related symptoms to become active that may have otherwise been dormant.