What are Molds?

Molds are types of fungi. They grow in the natural environment. Tiny particles of molds are found everywhere in indoor and outdoor air. In nature, molds help break down dead materials, and can be found growing on soil, foods, plants and other items. Molds are also very common in buildings and homes. Mold needs moisture to grow. Indoors, mold growth can be found where humidity levels are high, like basements and showers. Molds produce microscopic cells called ""spores"" that are spread easily through the air. Spores can also be spread by water and insects. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold colonies when they find the right conditions.

What Makes Mold Grow?

Mold only needs a few things to grow and multiply:
1. Nutrients (food)
2. A suitable place to grow
3. Moisture

Many building materials (such as wood, sheetrock, etc.) provide food that can support mold growth. Even dust that has settled on these materials or furniture can be a food source for molds. Molds can grow almost anywhere there is enough moisture or high humidity. Controlling moisture is the key to stopping indoor mold growth, because all molds require water to grow.

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Life Cycle Typical Slime Mold

Moisture can come from:

Flooding from the outside (storm water, overflowing lakes, streams, storm surge, etc.)

Condensation (caused by indoor humidity that is too high or surfaces that are too cold)

Indoor plumbing leaks or broken water pipes

Poor venting of kitchen and bathroom moisture (steam from shower or cooking)

Drying wet clothes indoors, or not venting clothes dryers outdoors (including electric dryers)

Moisture from our bodies (sweat, wet hair on pillows, breath)

Liquid spills

Flooding from the indoor (overflow from sinks, tubs, toilets, air conditioner drain pans or sewerage systems)

Water leaks from outside the building (roof, walls, floors)

Outdoor sprinkler spray hitting the walls, or indoor fire sprinklers

Humidifier use

House plants (over watering, etc.)

Warm, moist air from outdoors

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Why Choose Preemptive Strike?

We are State of Florida certified to provide mold inspections and assessments.

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Inspected Buildings
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Inspections

  • Pre Renovation
  • Pre Demolition
  • Post Abatement Clearance
  • Due Diligence (Pre Purchase, Refinance, etc.)

General Testing

  • Air Testing
  • Material Testing

General Services

  • Project Consulting
  • Project Oversight
  • Project Coordination
  • Project Risk Management
  • Project Hazard Assessments
  • Peer Review
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Why is it Important?

What health problems can be caused by mold?

There are four kinds of health problems that come from exposure to mold: allergic illness, irritant effects, infection, and toxic effects. For people that are sensitive to molds, symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes may occur. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses and bacteria. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in persons with asthma. Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds and body aches and pains are sometimes reported in mold complaints, but the causes of these physical symptoms are not yet understood. The toxic effects of certain molds are not well understood, and are currently a controversial topic in the medical and scientific community. There is evidence of specific long-term toxic effects from eating foods with mold toxins. Unfortunately, very little is known regarding the actual health risks from breathing in or skin contact with mold toxins. Allergic disease is now considered the most likely health problem related to mold exposures. Research into the possible health effects related to mold exposure continues today.

Should I be worried about mold in my home or office?

Yes and no. On the one hand, there will always be mold in your home and office in the form of spores and pieces of mold cells. The presence of mold in the air is normal. On the other hand, one should not let mold grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, your level of exposure can increase, thereby increasing the risk of potential health problems. Building materials, household goods and furnishings may also be damaged. Mold needs to eat to survive, and it's perfectly happy eating your home and office if you allow it.

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How can I be exposed to mold?

Mold is virtually everywhere, floating in the air and on all surfaces. People are exposed to molds 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Exposures increase when indoor moldy materials becomes dried, damaged or disturbed, causing spores and other mold cells to be released into the air and then inhaled. Elevated exposure can also occur if people directly handle moldy materials or accidentally eat mold.

 

How much mold does it take to make me sick?

It depends on the situation and the person. This question is difficult to answer in the same way it's hard to say how much sun causes a sunburn: the amount varies from person to person. What one person can tolerate with little or no effect may cause symptoms in another individual.

The long-term presence of indoor mold may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. Those with special health concerns should consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. The following types of people may be affected sooner and more severely than others:

  • Babies and children
  • Elderly persons
  • Individuals with chronic respiratory conditions or allergies or asthma
  • Persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV or AIDS, chemotherapy patients, or organ transplant recipients)

Helpful Links

Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants

http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/mold/index.html#mold

https://www.epa.gov/mold