We come into contact with mold on a daily basis. Foods go bad due to mold. Leaves decay and pieces of wood lying on the ground rot because of fungi. That musty odor that we detect sometimes in our basements is caused by molds. Molds are fungi, a group of microscopic organisms that also includes mushrooms. Molds are highly adapted grow rapidly, producing microscopic spores and mycelia during the reproducing process. Some fungi are very useful to people such as the mold that produces the antibiotic penicillin. However, some molds cause damage and create negative health effects in people. Molds are undesirable when they grow inside our homes. There are over a thousand species in fungi documented that grow in homes in New Jersey.
Molds require high moisture levels to reproduce. Higher then expected moisture levels in homes can be the result of ground water entering the home or from plumbing leaks. Another very large source of moisture is household activities such as showering and cooking. Moisture accumulates inside the home because of lack of ventilation.
Mold is a concern in homes due to the damage it can cause to building materials. Mold breaks down organic material and can do so until failure of the materials takes place. Also when molds grow inside the home they can cause health concerns to the occupants. These health effects can run the range to allergic reactions to major lung infections. The young and old are more susceptible to mold health effects.
There are several ways to identify mold in your home. Discoloration can be a sign that mold exists. Fungi can take on many colors such as green, white, black, red, or orange. Other times molds can not be viewed. Sometimes molds can be smelled. A musty odor can indicate the presence of mold in the home. If you see or small mold you may want to consider having the home tested for mold. Mold testing by a certified mold inspector will may confirm the presence of molds. Mold testing will also describe the type of molds present and the possibly toxicity of those fungi. If there are toxic fungi in the home you may need a professional remediation company to come and clean up. However make sure that the initial source of moisture is corrected or your problems will quickly return. You may need the help of a professional when there is a lot of mold present, there is high moisture conditions in the home, or if a member of the family suffers from respiratory issues that appear to be getting worse over time in the home.
There are some basic steps you can take to help reduce the possibility of mold growth in the home. Mold needs moisture conditions to grow. Taking steps to control moisture will go a long way in controlling a potential mold problem in the home. Determine if high moisture is being produced in the home and take the required steps to vent bathrooms, clothes dryer and the kitchen to the exterior. Proper venting will significantly reduce the potential for mold growth in the home. Make sure that all sources of water leaks are repaired very quickly. Any sources of water infiltration should be immediately corrected in order to avoid mold growth. Another good step to take is to purchase a hydrometer and actually measure how much moisture is in the air. Relative humidity should be kept under 50% in the winter months in order to avoid condensation forming inside the home.
Mold is a hot button today for consumers health care professionals and insurance companies. Understanding how mold grows and lives is the first step in eliminating any mold problems in your home. All mold issues have one thing in common and that is high moisture. If you control the moisture you can control the mold.
John Martino is the owner of LookSmart Home Inspections in New Jersey. He performs independent Home inspections and mold testing throughout NJ.
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