Mold Minutiae

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Mold spores are almost everywhere

Mold Minutiae

Mold is a hardy little microorganism that usually isn’t associated with anything good. Normally, you find mold growth when your food has spoiled, or it could be the result of a leaky pipe in your Cheltenham, PA, commercial building. It’s not all bad, though — look how penicillin has changed the world for the better. Good or bad, mold is relentless.

1. Mold Creates Healtheir Gardens
Mold may have a bad reputation, but not all mold is damaging. It can play a valuable role in your garden, decomposing organic matter. This decomposition makes for healthier soil.

2. Mold Spores Are Almost Everywhere
Like most fungi, mold produces cells called spores which is their way of reproducing. These spores are always in the air (often by the millions) almost everywhere in the world. There’s no getting away from them, only keeping your environment uninviting to them (mainly by keeping humidity low).

3. Mold Can Damage Materials
Mold growth is a process of constant multiplication, which explains why it spreads so quickly. Nutrients upon which mold feeds can come from a variety of sources (e.g., fabric, drywall and wood). The decomposition process that mold accelerates can do permanent damage to some materials.

4. Mold Comes in Many Colors
Different kinds of mold can vary widely in color. You may have only seen it around the house in dark black or brown splotches, but some molds are other colors, such as white, green or orange.

5. Mold Remediation Can Be Complicated
If you discover mold in one place in your building, it’s probably hiding in less conspicuous areas as well. What looks like a very minor infestation could turn out to be a major problem. The only way to address the problem is to remove all mold-infested materials and thoroughly clean the affected area. Hiring mold cleanup professionals is the best route to go if you’re unsure about the extent of your infestation.
High humidity is the main cause of mold growth. Once your mold and water damage issues are resolved, make sure to keep your indoor humidity around 40% to avoid future issues.