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Mold Questions

What are molds?

Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere in our environment. It is a type of fungus and part of a group of living organisms that are very common and serve an important role in the environment. Penicillin is a type of mold that has saved many lives. However, some molds can cause problems for humans. Mold can grow on bread and other types of food, making it unfit to eat. Mold can grow on the walls, floor and ceilings of your home as well as on your personal possessions. People often refer to some household molds as mildew, although the term also can apply to molds found outdoors.

Mold or Fungi have defined cell walls, lack chlorophyll and reproduce by means of spores. The study of fungi (mycology) is by no means complete. Mycologist have described an estimated 100,000 species of fungi and many believe that this is only a fraction of what remains to be discovered.

What do molds need to grow?

Mold requires moisture, oxygen and a food source to develop and multiply. Most molds absorb nutrients by attacking dead organic matter or in some cases by functioning as a parasite on living organisms. Outdoor airborne levels of mold are subject to many environmental conditions. With proper structural maintenance and good housekeeping, indoor airborne levels will typically be less than outdoor levels. Indoors, molds can grow on wallboard, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, carpeting, leather, dust/debris. The inside of air conditioning systems, etc. are often more than sufficient to support mold growth. When these materials become moist due to floods, structural water leaks, plumbing leaks, condensation or excess humidity the ever present fungi initiate their reproductive cycles and explosive colony growth can occur.

How long does it take mold to grow?

To be more specific, we should ask, "How long does it take for a mold spore to germinate?" Then we should ask, "How long does it take growing mold to colonize?"

To grow, molds need a food source, a certain temperature and moisture. Where these conditions are present, molds can germinate and colonize. How fast growth occurs depends on the combination of conditions. Spores can germinate after only 12 hours in some conditions and some grow in 24 to 48 hours. Houses offer an ample food supply — drywall, wood, insulation, paper. When these materials become damp or wet, settled spores can become growing molds.

Molds may colonize in 1 to 12 days depending on the type of mold. Following are several types of molds and the number of days in which colonization may take place:

• Mucor sp. colonizes between 1 and 2 days.
• Rhizopus sp. colonizes between 1 and 2 days.
• Aspergillus sp. colonizes between 2 and 3 days.
• Penicillium sp. colonizes between 2 and 3 days.
• Stachybotrys chartarum colonizes between 8 and 12 days.

How can I prevent mold growth?

Controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is very important. Ventilate or use exhaust fans (to the outdoors) to remove moisture where it accumulates: bathrooms; kitchens; and laundry areas. Be sure the clothes dryer vents to outside the house. Repair water leaks promptly, and either dry out and clean or replace an water-damaged materials. Materials that stay wet for longer then 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth. Lowering the humidity in the home also helps prevent condensation problems. To lower humidity during humid weather, air conditioners and dehumidifiers may be used. Proper exterior wall insulation helps prevent condensation inside the home during cold weather that could cause mold growth.

Mold Tips

• Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building as soon as possible.

• Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly and unobstructed. Conduct regular professional HVAC inspections and service.

• Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50% if possible.

• Vent moisture generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.

• Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.

• Don't let exterior maintenance go un-repaired. This includes the repair or replacement of leaky roofs, windows, building sealants and waterproof coatings. Replace rotten or deteriorated wood, trim and siding. Remember, proper maintenance will prevent and mitigate mold contamination.

• Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands

• Do not get mold or mold spores in your eyes.

• Do not breathe in mold or mold spores.

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