We continue to receive and respond to a large call volume from homeowners and business owners concerning mold. Many calls result from the vast amount of mis-information (Environmental Terrorism is a phrase I often use) presented in the media on the internet. The result is a number of calls that are based more on fear than an actual mold issue. There are other calls, however, that are based on legitimate mold contamination causing indoor air quality degradation and very real health affects to the caller/occupants. The resulting projects have kept us busy remediating structures ranging from homes and business to libraries and college classrooms. Since we have had so many calls, we thought you may be getting some yourselves, so we have put together some facts about mold that we think you may find interesting. These facts aren't intended to scare or cause alarm, some may simply cause you to scratch your head.

Did you Know:

• About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 identified species worldwide.
• Fungi (Mold) have been placed in an unique, individual kingdom: Mycota.
• Fungi have a FIRST and LAST name. A Binomial Nomenclature.
  • Definition of Binomial: a biological species name consisting of two terms. Genus/Species
  • Genus is always first, Species is always second
  • EXAMPLE: Stachybotrys Chartarum, Aspergillus Versicolor
• Mold can be any color.
• Black Mold is a poorly defined term; has no scientific meaning, but has been most commonly associated with Stachybotrys Chartarum.
• Not all molds that appear to be black are Stachybotrys Chartarum.
• The primary risk for humans is exposure to airborne spores through our respiratory system.
• Stachybotrys Chartarum is the least likely to become airborne, it is a slimy black mold that grows in chronically wet locations and takes a week or more of continuous moisture to manifest itself.
• Many molds that grow within 48 -72 hours (PENICILLIUM & ASPERGILLUS Species are typical) and are common to the typical water loss are just as "toxic" as Stachybotrys Chartarum, but more dangerous because they become airborne very easily, increasing the risk for occupant and occupational exposure and health effects.
• "Toxic" Mold has no scientific meaning, since the mold itself is not toxic. The metabolic byproducts of some molds may be toxic. "Toxic Mold" was a phrase coined by media!
• Mycotoxins: simple to complex secondary fungal metabolites that regulate competition with other organisms and are toxic to human and animal cells.
• Where conditions are right, fungi proliferate into colonies and the result is that mycotoxin levels become high. When you can see the mold, it is referred to as a "mold colony" or colonization.
• One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins and/or the same mycotoxin as another species.
• Mycotoxins weaken the receiving host; fungus may use them as a strategy to better the environment for further fungal proliferation, especially their own species.
• Some mycotoxins are harmful to other micro-organisms such as other fungi or even bacteria; penicillin is one example.
• Exposure to Mycotoxins can cause the following health effects in humans:
  • Immune system (opportunistic)
  • Skin (rashes)
  • Nervous system (headaches, fatigue, nausea, depression, memory loss, muscle pain, etc.)
  • Intestines (vomiting and diarrhea)
  • Respiratory system (sore throats, bleeding from lungs)
• Allergies…are currently considered the principle human health effect of indoor fungal bioaerosols.
• Bioaerosol:
  
  

  Bio | LIVING

  Aero | AIRBORNE

  Sol | Solution

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, molds are found in up to 50% of all structures.
• 30-50% of all structures (residential or commercial together) have damp conditions that may encourage development of mold.
• There is an 86% chance of mold growing somewhere in or on your refrigerator. The seal on the refrigerator door is a good place to look. There has to be a food source (dirt or food); referred to as a bio-film, and moisture to support the mold growth. Cleaning with soap and water will remove the source food and mold. Staining may remain due to enzymes that result from the mold digesting the bio-film.
• Bleach may remove or lighten the enzyeme stain. 2 – 3 oz. per gallon is the correct ratio. Or bleach based kitchen cleaners can be effective as well.
• The Irish potato famine of 1840 was caused by mold.
• Dormant mold spores found in debris dating back thousands of years and collected by archaeologists have been successfully cultured and grown.
• We would not have food and medicines, like cheese and penicillin, without mold.
• Mold can feed on paper, fabric, wallpaper glue, sheetrock, wood, soap scum, leather and latex paint.
• Molds can grow as long as moisture or water, oxygen, and an organic source are present.
• All molds share the characteristic of being able to grow without sunlight.
• If left unchecked, mold can eventually cause structural damage to a wood framed building.
• Individuals with the highest risk of health complications from mold include:
  • Allergy and asthma sufferers
  • Individuals being treated for burns
  • Radiation and chemotherapy patients
  • Organ donor recipients
  • People with respiratory disease
  • The elderly and infants
  • Contact lens wearers
  • Any other immune-compromised conditions

For more information on mold please go to our website.