Ignoring moisture or water damage in your home can lead to mold growth.
For most people, mold is a scary plant that grows on wet surfaces or on slices of month old bread. But do you really know what mold is and how it grows? Let’s take a look!
What is Mold
While most people associate mold with plants for its green color, mold is just one type of organism known as a fungus. Mold is different from plants, animals, and bacteria and uses eukaryotic micro-organisms that decompose dead organic material like leaves, wood, plants, and paper. These organisms are invisible to the naked eye except when the colonies grow on the surface. As the mold spreads over the surface, it will appear black, blue, green, or even white. The color of mold generally determines the type of mold as well as the nutrient source it needs to survive.
How Does Mold Grow?
In order for mold spores to grow and collect, it needs water, a food source, oxygen, and a mold temperature. Since mold decomposes organic material, it has been known to grow on wood, paper, and other materials made from wood. Mold’s secretes digestive fluids that decompose these materials. This secretion can also digest some synthetic materials like adhesives, pastes, and paints. Although mold can’t digest inorganic materials like concrete, glass, metal, and plastic, it can grow on them. Mold prefers moist or damp materials or humidity in the air.
How Does Mold Spread?
Mold is made up of tiny root-like hairs called hyphae. These hairs can mean a small colony of mold growing and covering a wide area of materials. Mold spores are seeds that are microscopic. When spores are released into the air or water, they seek out a place that is damp and has food, oxygen, and a suitable temperature. Once these needs are met, mold can start to grow, forming its own colony and spreading in your home.
Although we are exposed to mold every day, it is only when mold starts growing in our space that we feel the health effects of it. Mold exposure can cause side effects that range from allergy symptoms to confusion and memory loss. For more information on having your home treated for mold, call Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group today!
Call Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group!
If you or a family member suspects the presence of black mold or any other type of mold in your home, contact the professionals at Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group. With more than 30 years in the mold remediation industry, we have the experience and tools to help you. Contact us at 410-258-3579 or 1-877-591-MOLD (6653).
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Tags: Information, Mold Growth