What is Mold?
Mold is a sub-group of the fungi kingdom. There are tens of thousands of different types of molds. Mold spores are generally classified into three different categories when pertaining to health: toxic, pathogenic and allergenic.
Toxic - A toxic mold is one that produces a mycotoxin that has been associated with adverse affects in almost anyone if present in elevations.
Pathogenic - A pathogenic mold will affect those who are already immune-compromised. Many mold types fall into this category. Immune-compromised individuals include, but are not limited to, cancer patients, elderly, pregnant women, small children with undeveloped immune systems, people with heart disease, others who suffer from illness, and some animals.
Allergenic - An allergenic mold is one that may affect some but not others. This effect is very similar to an animal or pollen allergy. An allergenic mold can sometimes divide a family because only one person may complain of symptoms while others do not have concern for the problem and ultimately do not address it. Some individuals may build a tolerance to an allergen, while others become more susceptible after chronic exposure.
Mold needs three things to grow: moisture, temperature and a food source. The best way to prevent mold is to control the humidity in your home. Wet basements can be perfect breeding grounds for mold. If your basement already has mold, removal and remediation may be necessary, along with the repair of the wet basement issue.
Mold remediation and removal is easiest and least expensive the sooner you start. Don't wait until the mold has infiltrated the wall board, ceiling tiles and other porous materials before stopping it.
