Some Insight About Mold

Mold is part of the natural environment we live in everyday. Outdoors, it helps break down dead organic matter such as leaves and fallen trees. But as you probably already know, mold spores that make their way into your home can pose certain health risks.

Most mold cases affect persons with an immune system deficiency – children under the age of two, adults over the age of 60, people with certain respiratory ailments or people who have had a recent surgery.

If mold is allowed to grow unchecked it may affect everyone. Living space becomes intolerable with odor and dampness. Folks with even mild allergies are usually susceptible to health problems in mold infested environments.

Energy conservation is one of the biggest reasons mold has become such a modern problem. Now, everyone is energy conscious and with air tight windows, air tight walls, etc. Modern homes are built to keep what’s in, in. These homes don’t allow mold and moisture to get out. Mold spores simply circulate through the house until they find wet places to take root and grow.

Mold needs wet cellulosic material (drywall, wood, natural carpet fibers, seaming tape), high humidity, warmer temperatures and stagnant air to grow. The best scenario for mold growth is from a water loss. Even though every home has mold, most homes don’t contain mold levels that can be harmful to your immune system. However, if you add some water, high humidity, some good food (drywall, wood, etc.) stagnant air and 9-14 days – you can have significant mold growth and infestation.

Mold caused by a water loss can easily be prevented. New tests from ISCT (International Society of Cleaning Technicians) show that new mold, under perfect growing conditions, takes at least 9 days for visible growth. Therefore, if a wet structure (the food source for mold) is brought back to its normal moisture content quickly, mold and all of its associated problems can easily be avoided.

This is why it is extremely important to only use low-grain dehumidifiers, high velocity air movement, high temperature area containment, daily moisture monitoring and technicians thoroughly trained in Psychrometry and Applied Structural Drying.