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What are Mold spores?
Mold is an essential component to our ecosystem that provides
decomposition of many organic substances necessary to plant,
animal and human life. Mold multiplies by producing spores
which circulate in the air. When the spore contacts a moist
surface it clings to it and mold develops. In an indoor environment,
airborne mold spores can cause health problems to the occupants.
Air quality is a key factor to healthy living, and often when
houses are sealed for temperature control, the lack of ventilation
can cause a build up of humidity and serious air quality problems,
especially if mold is present.
Where to Find Mold?
Mold is a fungus that grows wherever there is moisture. Mold
spores that pass through the air find places where there is
moisture to cling to.
Leaky roofs, pipes, walls, or flooded areas are the breeding
place for mold. Wet cellulose materials like paper, cardboard,
ceiling tiles and wood products are other places toxic mold
may grow.
Mold Entrances
Mold spores can enter a household through open doorways,
windows, heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning
units. They attach themselves to your clothing and can even
be brought in by pets. When they find the right conditions
they grow and contaminate the air in your home.
- Humidity is caused just by breathing! Excessive humidity
in the air can cause moisture build-up and lead to mold.
- Moisture can enter a home or building by seeping through
the basement floors.
- Showering or cooking can add to the moisture levels.
- When the temperature goes down, condensation may appear
on the inside of a window.
Mold Appearance
Mold may appear cottony, velvety, granular or leathery and
come in any shade or color. It will usually have a musky or
earthy odour.
Hidden Mold
Mold can hide in places such as behind walls, under carpeting,
under cabinets, in air ducts and any other areas that may
not be easily visible.
Checking for Hidden Mold
- Carpeting that has experienced water damage or is exposed
to high levels of humidity is prone to produce mold. You
can detect mold growth by lifting a small section of the
carpeting away from the floor.
- Get down to ground level - look under bathroom and kitchen
cabinets in spaces that are not easily seen.
- Open up a wall cavity to check for mold growth.
- Air conditioners and furnaces need to be thoroughly inspected
for stagnant water and serviced regularly. Furnace duct
systems should also be thoroughly cleaned regularly.
Toxic Mold
Microbial and biological pathogens/agents such as mold fungi
inside homes and buildings are a serious health hazard.
Stachybotrys is a type of toxic mold that typically grows
in damp environments, especially on materials that are high
in cellulose and low in nitrogen content. Examples of such
material include:
- wallpaper,
- cardboard,
- ceiling tile,
- cellulose insulation,
- wood.
Stachybotrys mold spores are
toxic because they produce a poisonous substance called mycotoxin.
When these spores are inhaled they can cause many unpleasant,
and even very serious, symptoms and conditions.
Who should ask for microbial air testing?
- Those who suspect a mold infestation - Our Home Inspection
Services should be contacted if you suspect that you may
have a problem with mold in your home or building.
- All home owners and potential home buyers should be interested
to know what kind of indoor air quality is in place.
- Offices, schools, cottages, hospitals, clinics, gyms and
other indoor area should be tested for mold problems.
Precautionary Measure - Whether or not you are aware
of a mold problem in your home or building, air testing can
be performed as a precautionary measure. Leave the Investigating
to the professionals. Disturbance of a mold infested area
can lead to a release of spores into the air that can cause
serious illnesses.
"Now is the time to find out about mold, before the
occupants become sick."
Order a Mold Inspection Now: 
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