Why Worry About Mold?

Mold follows moisture, whether as a consequence to crisis (flood, hurricane, or similar disaster) or a natural result of living in moist, humid climates.  Most molds are not harmful to most people, and no definitive long term links between mold and specific debilitating health conditions have yet been proven.  

Despite the lack of scientific evidence, however, a wealth of less rigorous reporting indicates that mold can detrimentally affect individuals with asthma, allergies, underlying lung disease, or a compromised immune system.  Such individuals may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation,  infection, or difficulty breathing when exposed to indoor mold.   For the small number of molds that produce toxins called mycotoxins, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and irritation to lungs and eyes can result.  

Because of the increasing body of anecdotal evidence regarding the ill health effects of mold exposure, it is becoming common practice to address and eliminate mold when it becomes apparent (to the naked eye) that is has infiltrated indoor living spaces.   Because of recent, massive flooding in such areas as the post-Katrina Gulf Coast, mold mitigation strategies have been carefully studied and evaluated.  The results of these studies have generated proven methods for eliminating mold in indoor structures.  Best practices resulting from these studies are highlighted here.  

 

What is Mold?

Molds are tiny organisms (smaller in width than the human hair!) that digest organic matter and release spores when reproducing.  Of the 100,000 species of mold, many are likely to be respiratory irritants and a small number can cause more serious health effects ranging from bleeding in the lungs to potential memory loss.  Molds are beneficial creatures when they digest leaves and other plant debris, but become problematic when they digest materials in our homes in cases where sufficient moisture promotes their proliferation.  

 

How can Mold be eliminated?

Mold is readily detected inside the home by eye and is best addressed by first removing the source of indoor moisture in the home.  Once the source of the mold is addressed, it an be treated and affected areas dried to eliminate opportunities for its return.