Molds are invisible organisms that reproduce by spreading spores. Molds, often called fungi, are part of the environment and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Molds break down organic materials to form compounds and simpler elements. They grow on dead leaves, trees, wood and get their nutrition from these materials, allowing for the recycling of nutrients throughout the ecosystem. Molds and fungi are the lowest level members of the Food Pyramid.
Mold is virtually everywhere inside and outside of your home. Being microscopic organisms, molds are not visible to the human eye unless they colonize. Mold grows on almost any surface, including uncovered food, dead organic matter, etc. Water and moisture are necessary for molds to grow and amplify.
Mold life cycle:
The spores spread through the air, dust particles or any other container and begin to grow as soon as the surface, food and the right temperature are moist. The hyphae, a threadlike structure, secrete enzymes that break down contaminated organic matter to obtain nutrition. The molds then begin to develop mycelium, the main part of the mold’s body.
Under proper environmental conditions like light, air, water, and nutrition, black mold begins to develop spores inside the hyphal cells. The spores, after reaching maturity, are released into the air. Mold spores can lie dormant for years, waiting for the right environmental conditions to grow.
When these spores begin to invade your home and the spore count in the air is higher than it is outside, the chances of forming mold colonies inside the home increase. Even if the spores get a small open watery surface in any dark place, they stick to it, germinate, and mold formation begins. Unlike the spores and body of a single mold, mold colonies are visible to the naked eye. Molds when infecting a surface leave behind black spots and that is the reason why molds are often referred to as black mold.
In addition to staining and discoloration of the surface, the presence of mold can be recognized by its pungent odor. This odor helps people spot molds if they have chosen a hidden place to grow. Inspect places near the water source or where water may seep in and wet the surface.
Possible health problems and remedies:
Living in a room with black mold could cause health problems for humans and pets. Increased numbers of airborne spores lead to respiratory disorders, asthma and more serious health threats. Some species of mold are toxic; produce mycotoxins that have adverse effects on human health. Both adults and children can suffer from various health problems such as nausea, headache, fatigue, watery eyes, excessive sneezing, irritation of the skin, eyes, lungs, etc. Even dead mold bodies can cause breathing difficulties and skin rashes.
The amount of black mold and fungi that lead to health problems varies from person to person. Being ubiquitous, mold is everywhere. But when they spread in large numbers inside a covered space, problems begin. Black dots on walls, carpets, drywall, and the typical musty smell indicate significant mold growth that can be removed with the help of mold removers.
The first step is to open the windows and let the air flow into the rooms so that the spores are blown away. With adequate sunlight, humidity decreases and mold growth stops. If the condition is worse, consult a professional mold inspector and controllers.