What is Mold?

What is Mold?

Mold is an organic organism designed to decompose other dead organic materials. When a tree falls in the woods, without molds to aid in breaking it down back into the soil, it would remain there indefinitely. Envision the pile of logs and leaves in the woods if it weren't for molds breaking them down. Most of the materials used to construct our homes are nothing more than dead trees, and mold simply wants to perform its role.

There are three things mold needs to grow indoors:

1. MOISTURE: Without moisture, mold cannot grow. Situations that allow enough moisture to absorb into building materials include long-term water leaks, high humidity (usually above 60%), or water damage where structural drying did not occur promptly. Places like bathrooms, where there is high humidity after taking showers, can promote mold growth without proper ventilation.

2. FOOD SOURCE: Anything organic can be a food source. Examples of this in homes include wood used to frame walls, floors, and roofs; paper on drywall; furniture, etc. Typically, mold cannot grow on non-organic materials unless organic materials have spilled or settled on them. Mold can grow on glass, concrete, carpeting, etc., if there is an organic food source on them.

3. STAGNANT AIR: Mold spores are very small and have a hard time attaching to surfaces if there is any airflow. This is why mold is typically found in areas with little airflow. Most growth occurs in places like crawlspaces, basements, and attics where humidity stays above 60% due to poor ventilation. These conditions create perfect environments for mold growth when the circumstances are right.

So Why Should We Worry About Mold?

The reason why mold is a concern is not only because it breaks down the materials that our homes are made of, but mold also produces spores, which are essentially seeds that float in the air. Molds can also produce mycotoxins, using them as chemical warfare against other types of molds. Mold is territorial and will use these mycotoxins to hold onto territory. Unfortunately, sometimes we get caught in the crossfire when these mycotoxins become airborne. People exposed to mold spores and mycotoxins in high concentrations for extended periods may develop health concerns.

Fortunately, our proprietary system can remove visible mold staining from building structures, making them look almost brand new. We can also eliminate invisible mold spores from the air in the home at a substantially lower cost than traditional mold removal methods. The air inside will be cleaner than outside air. You don't have to be afraid of mold anymore.

Mold Eaze Solutions, LLc