Blog
Mold Basics and Resources
Aisha Ikramuddin
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Recently, more stories are appearing in the news about schools and homes that are infested with mold so rampant that the buildings must be sealed off for cleaning and, in some cases, even demolished. Mold's health effects can vary from mild allergy-like symptoms to debilitating illness, including chronic respiratory problems, fatigue and headaches, depending on the level of mold in a building and the sensitivity of the exposed individuals.
Mold has become a significant problem only recently primarily because of two factors: A shift in building materials and the movement towards airtight, energy-efficient buildings. Mold grows in a variety of materials including drywall and wood, but requires moisture. Without adequate ventilation or airflow, the moisture becomes trapped in the building, rising to levels favorable to mold.
Typically, we think of basements and bathrooms as mold's favored spots, but mold can be found just about anywhere given the right conditions. Kitchens and closets can also suffer from high moisture levels.
And if there's a leak in the roof, windows or plumbing, mold can grow just about anywhere — hidden behind walls, behind cabinetry and under floors. And molds can even grow inside air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers. Forced air systems can spread mold particles throughout a house.
Carpets tend to get moldy easily because they can take a long time to dry. During the time a carpet stays wet, mold spores are opportunistic, feasting on the moisture locked in the carpet's fibers and pad.
The key to preventing mold damage is keeping mold and moisture levels low. Below are some resources that can help you.
For information on mold's health effects, how to detect it and how to clean it up, see:
Profile on Molds
For a list of mold prevention strategies, see: Mold and Moisture Control
For a story on how one family tackled their mold infestation, see:
Old Homes: Mold and Mildew Retrofit
Carpets can get moldy especially when cleaned. For tips on carpet cleaning, see:
How to Clean Carpets without Dangerous Chemicals
Look for safer product alternatives in our Marketplace.
Updated Date: 02/09
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Posted by Igor Musta on 08/14/2009 at 03:46 AM
Some molds excrete toxic chemical compound called mycotoxins, commonly only under certain environmental conditions. The mycotoxins can be lethal or harmful to animals and humans when exposure is sufficiently high.
Some mycotoxins induce immune system response that varies considerably, depending on the person. The frequency of exposure, the duration of exposure and the toxin concentration are factors in triggering immune system responses.