Mold Q&A
Understanding Mold
In Your Home
By Maye Teasdale
* How does mold enter a home?
Molds usually enter a home through spores that pass through open doorways,
ventilation, windows, heating and air conditioning systems that have outdoor air
intakes. The mold spores also attach themselves to humans, animals, shoes,
clothing, bags and other objects that are capable of carrying spores.
When spores reach a place of moisture, especially those places where there
is excessive moisture, they will attach and grow themselves. This will serve as
their breeding ground. Molds usually grow in moisture rich places and those that
are quite cold. The most common places where molds grow are in roofs, pipes,
walls and plant pipes.
* How does mold grow?
Molds grow in different ways. Molds have tiny spores and these tiny spores
have the capabilities of reproducing themselves through sexual and asexual
reproduction. In sexual reproduction of mold, spores need another spore for them
to reproduce. In asexual reproduction of mold, a single spore can reproduce by
itself without requiring another spore.
Mold spores can reproduce themselves anywhere. They can grow and reproduce
in soil, roof, and pots and even in air. Molds grow rapidly in places that have
excessive moisture and have quite dim lightings.
* What kinds of health problems could there be if there is mold in my house?
Mold exposure may cause cold-like symptoms like watery eyes, sore throat,
wheezing and dizziness. Allergic reaction to mold is common. It triggers asthma
attacks. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat
and lungs.
Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic
substances that are dangerous to the human body.
* On what kinds of surfaces can mold grow?
Molds never choose the surface where to grow and breed; rather, they survive
as long as a surface has excessive moisture. Moisture seeps through concrete
walls and floors, wood and plastics and other materials that will cause dampness
resulting in molds on walls, floors, carpeting and others.
The bathroom is the most susceptible place for mold growth because it is
always damp. Soap scum, shower walls, ceramic tile and fiberglass are all
possible surfaces for mold growth.
Basement and laundry rooms are also common for mold growth. The kitchen is
also a possible site for mold.
There is no required surface for mold. Any surfaces are susceptible to mold
growth if moisture is present.
* How can I reduce the humidity in my home?
Reducing the humidity at home can be done in many ways. There are simple
ways that are effective in reducing the dampness at home which is the main
reason of mold growth.
The following are three effective simple ways of reducing humidity at home.
• Remove standing water.
• Dry out your home.
• Remove wet materials.
And also insulate your home properly.
Maye Teasdale is a regular contributor to mold education
sites such as Mold Question and Answer.
Website: http://www.MoldQA.com
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