What’s Mold?
Mold has different appearances depending on the species, stage of growth, and growth media. Often mold has a fuzzy or woolly appearance ranging in color from black, green and brown to yellow, gray and white. Fungi are a diverse group of single-celled organisms that includes mushrooms, molds, mildews, smuts, rusts, and yeasts. When the environment is favorable and the right amount of nutrients, moisture, and oxygen are present, mold can begin to grow. Indoor fungal contaminates can grow on different kinds of cellulose debris.
Common indoor cellulose materials include:
- Drywall
- Paint
- Wallpaper
- Hardwood Flooring
- Insulation
- Wood Members
- Carpet
- Carpet Pad and Tack Strip
- Baseboards
- Fabric
- Clothing/Leather
- Food
Molds are organized into three groups:
Allergenic Molds
Allergenic molds do not usually produce life-threatening health effects and are most likely to affect those who are already allergic or asthmatic. The human system responses to allergenic molds tend to be relatively mild, depending on individual sensitivities, typically producing scratchy throats, eye and nose irritations and rashes. These can lead to uncomfortable living for some if high amounts of allergenic molds are present.
Pathogenic Molds
Pathogenic molds usually produce some type of infection. They can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems. Healthy people can usually resist infection by these organisms regardless of dose. In some cases, high exposure may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (an acute response to exposure to an organism).
Toxigenic Molds
Mycotoxins can cause serious health effects in almost anybody. These agents have toxic effects ranging from short-term irritation to immunosuppression and possibly cancer. Therefore, when toxigenic molds are found further evaluation and action is recommended.
