The Genesis of Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi which assist the decomposition of organic materials in the environment. They do this by digesting organic material, which in turn is slowly destroyed. In residential structures, such organic material can range from the cellulose naturally found in wood to thin dust layers to fallen dead skin cells. Mold is observed visibly in the form of discoloration (green, gray, brown, etc.) and travels through the air via tiny released spores.
Manners of Indoor Mold Exposure and Its Subsequent Cause for Concern
We encounter mold everyday, both indoors and outside. It is when we are exposed to larger concentrated amounts of mold spores that mold becomes a health issue. Such molds become a concern because their conditions are ripe for growth: ample moisture and organic matter. The moisture source can commonly be traced to heavy rains, steam produced from bathing or cooking, faulty plumbing, misdirected sprinklers, or leaky roofs. When identifying a mold presence, discoloration in the walls and ceiling, musty odors, and warped flooring can be indications of mold existence.
High levels of mold infiltration can damage the structural integrity of the housing unit. For example, mold growing on a floor beam will gradually eat away and digest the wood particles, leaving a weakened flooring support. Mold can also create irreparable damage to house apparatus and personal belongings. Family heirlooms and photographs left in a moldy basement may soon become unsalvageable. Yet more personal and of a timelier concern is that fact that humans exposed to heavy concentrations of mold can develop allergens and other health problems. Sensitivities may vary from person to person, but typical symptoms of mold exposure are as follows:
- Wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and other respiratory problems.
- Nose, throat, or skin irritations
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Burning, watery, or reddened eyes
The Environmental Protection Agency states that people with asthma should avoid contact with or exposure to molds.
In milder case, headaches, nosebleeds, memory problems, fevers, and body pains have been associated with mold exposure, though their particular causes are not fully understood.