Mold growing in your home can be a cause for concern. Dark or dusty spots on your walls are signs that something is wrong, but it’s important to distinguish between annoying mold growth and potentially harmful mold growth.
There are over 1 million species of fungi. Some are used in the production of important pharmaceutical products. There may be other causes life-threatening infections when it grows inside the body.
Microscopic fungi that grow in the home are a problem because they can cause asthma and other allergies. in my work As a fungal biologistHowever, I have yet to come across solid scientific evidence to support the claim that indoor mold is the cause of other serious illnesses.
What is a mold?
Mold is a microscopic fungus that grows on everything. It may sound exaggerated, but no matter what material you choose, the pattern will be there. houseplant leaves Even the grains in the pantry. A pinch of soil on the ground. They form spots on the outside of buildings, grow in cracks in concrete paths and roads, and even live peacefully on our bodies.
Molds play an important role in life on Earth. They are excellent recyclers, fertilizing the earth with fresh nutrients while decaying organic matter. Mold is another word for mold.
Fungi, including mold, produce microscopic seed-like particles. called spores It spread through the air. Mold spores develop on the stems.
These spores are so numerous that you inhale them with every breath. Thousands could fit within the period at the end of this sentence.
When these spores land on a surface, they germinate and form long, thin threads that branch to form spider-like colonies that spread into circular patches. After a mold colony grows for several days, a new generation of spores will begin to be produced.
Where does indoor mold grow?
Mold can grow in any building. Even the cleanest homes can still have mold residue under the sink in the bathroom or kitchen. They also likely to grow Not only for shower curtains, but also for sink drains, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Mold can grow anywhere there is water, but it becomes a problem in buildings where there are continuous leaks in pipes, flooded houses.
There is many types of indoor moldcan be identified by experts by observing the spores under a microscope.
The types of mold that can grow inside your home include: aspergillus and Penicilliumit is difficult to distinguish. These are combined as Cladosporium and Chetomiumloves to grow on wet carpets.
Stachybotrys This is also a common fungus found in homes. I found it under a flower pot in the living room.
When is mold growth a problem?
A problematic mold infestation occurs when the drywall penetrates and mold colonies grow into large brown or black spots. If the damage is smaller than a pizza box, you can probably clean it yourself.
However, more extensive mold growth often requires drywall removal and replacement. Either way, it’s essential to resolve plumbing leaks or protect your home from flooding to prevent mold from recurring.
If mold is severe, you can do the following: Hire an indoor air quality expert Measure the concentration of airborne spores in your home. A low spore concentration is normal and poses no danger, but a high spore concentration may cause allergies.
During an air test, a professional will sample the air inside and outside your home on the same day. If the level of spores measured in indoor air is much higher than the level measured in outdoor air, mold may be growing somewhere in your home.
Another sign of mold growth in your home is the presence of different types of mold in the outdoor and indoor air. Professional air sampling will identify both of these problems.
Why is indoor mold a problem?
There are three problems with indoor mold. First, it discolors surfaces, creates unpleasant musty odors, and creates an unattractive living space.
Second, the spores are airborne; Causes asthma, allergic rhinitis, and hay fever.
Finally, some molds will be generated. Toxic chemicals called mycotoxins.
There is no scientific evidence The link between mycotoxins produced by indoor mold and homeowner illness. However, mycotoxins can cause problems when mold damage is most severe, usually in flooded homes.
Regardless of the mycotoxin issue, mold growth must be treated in more serious situations like this to prevent allergies.
a type called Stachybotrys Since its growth began, it has been called toxic black mold. associated with pulmonary hemorrhage In an infant in Cleveland in the 1990s. This fungus grows when drywall is submerged in water. produces a variety of mycotoxins.
Black mold spores are sticky and difficult to disperse into the air. This action limits the number of spores that those around you can inhale and means that the amount of toxins that can be absorbed from indoor mold is nearly eliminated.
However, the developing lungs of infants and children are particularly vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it is important to limit mold growth in your home and address the sources of moisture that stimulate mold growth.
Knowing when indoor mold needs attention is a useful skill for all homeowners and can avoid unnecessary stress.
nicolas moneyProfessor of Biology; University of Miami
This article is republished from conversation Under Creative Commons License. please read original article.
