About Mould
 “Mould” refers to more than million species of microscopic fungi. Mold spores are like seeds; they continually travel through indoor and outdoor air, germinating when they land on surfaces with excess moisture and an organic food source like carbon. Building materials such as wood, carpet, insulation, sheetrock and particle board are likely places for mold growth. Sporification can happen within 48 hours, and some spores may remain viable for several years.

Indoor Mold Types

• Cladosporium is most commonly identified as an outdoor fungus, with high spore count in the summer months. Indoors, it’s usually found on in the fiberglass liner inside air ducts. Its indoor food sources include food, paint and textiles.

• Penicillium is most commonly found in carpet, wallpaper and interior fiberglass duct insulation. It’s a relatively wide mold classification. Some species can produce toxins.

• Aspergillus is considered to be wholly allergenic and may be parasitic. Depending on the fungus’ food source, some species may produce toxins that may or may not be considered potential human carcinogens.

• Strachybotrys chartarum (commonly known as “black mold”), the most deadly form of mold, is relatively rare. Chiefly an indoor fungus, it’s dark-colored (usually greenish-black) and slow-growing, but poisonous when inhaled. Even dead spores are allergenic and toxigenic.

Causes
Mold grows where excess moisture is present. A variety of conditions can cause moisture problems, including roof, window and plumbing leaks; condensation; flooding; and excess humidity (generally above 60% - 70%). Tightly sealed buildings, such as those constructed during the energy crisis 20-30 years ago, may be a fertile environment for mold because they do not allow moisture to escape easily. There is also documented evidence indicating a high level of mold problems in newly constructed buildings, due to poor construction practices or using modern, water-permeable building materials such as gypsum board, plywood and paper-type insulation.

Signs

• Visible growth of mold or mildew

• Musty odors

• Discolorations on carpets, walls, floors, ceiling and windowsills

• Building material deterioration

• Health complaints, such as allergic reactions,

• respiratory problems or other mold-related symptoms

Health Hazards
Susceptibility of individuals to mold-related symptoms can vary, depending of the amount and type of mold and the length of exposure. People with weaker immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and the chronically ill, are most at-risk when exposed to mold.
A variety of physical symptoms have been associated with mold exposures through inhalation or skin contact:

• Nasal or sinus congestion Asthma aggravation

• Dizziness Headaches

• Sneezing Eye irritation

• Sore throat Fatigue

• Cough Nausea

• Skin irritation (rash or itching) Diarrhea

Chronic cases of mold exposure may develop pulmonary emphysema (a lung disease in which air sacs are destroyed, stretched or narrowed).
Other conditions associated with specific mold types:

• Cladosporium – may cause mycosis (lymphoma)

• Penicillium – reported to be a skin allergen; may cause hypersensitive pneumonitis and allergic alveolitis (inflammation of the lungs)

• Aspergillus – reported to cause ear and eye infections; some toxins considered potential human carcinogens

Stachybotrys – toxins suppress the immune system, affecting lymphoid tissue and bone marrow; toxins also reported to be liver and kidney carcinogens.