Chicago,
Illinois Mold Information
Chicago Mold Facts and
Information
This
article explains what mold is, the common types of mold, common mold species,
why mold grows, and how to detect mold!
What
Causes Mold Growth?
What Causes Mold Growth?
Mold is a fungus, as are mushrooms and yeast, and has a biological purpose in
our eco-system: to consumes dead organic material. Understanding its biological
importance is essential to understanding why it poses health hazards.
Problems
occur with mold when it begins growing in an enclosed environment such as a
home. Mold found inside homes and buildings originates from the outside. Mold
spores enter buildings and homes through open doorways, windows, heating,
ventilation and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air outside also attach
themselves to clothing, animals, shoes, bags and more!
The key
ingredient mold needs to thrive and grow is moisture and a food source.
Sources
of Moisture
Sources of Moisture
Since mold is everywhere, it will only start growing when the spores settle on
surfaces with excess moisture. The key to preventing mold growth is to control
moisture. Maintaining an interior humidity level of between 30 to 40% will
prevent mold growth.
Listed
below are the most common sources of moisture. If you suspect mold growth,
before the mold can be cleaned and removed, the sources of the moisture issues
must be addressed first.
1.
Flooding.
2. Backed-up sewers.
3. Leaky roofs and/or water leaks.
4. Humidifier which is not regularly cleaned and disinfected.
5. Damp basements or crawl spaces.
6. House plants and their debris.
7. Steam from cooking and showers.
8. Wet clothes hung to dry indoors.
9. Inadequate air exchange.
10. Excessive humidity.
11. Condensation, which is especially a problem during the winter, on poorly
insulated surfaces.
Sources
of Food
Sources of Food
Mold is like a parasite because it will only grow if there is an ample mold
source. Under the right conditions of temperature and moisture, mold will
continue to feed. The problem with mold lies in the fact that most homes and
buildings are made from dead organic material, which is the type of food that
mold thrives on. Food sources for mold include the following:
1. Wood
& wood products.
2. Paper and other paper products like cardboard and wallpaper
3. Leather.
4. Fabric and upholstery
5. Grout.
6. Painted walls.
7. Cement
8. Plaster (drywall).
9. Ceiling tiles
10. Insulation materials.
11. Carpet.
What
Are The Most Common Types and Species of Mold?
Not all
molds are the same; consequently, it is important to understand that
identifying the types and species of mold is important because it helps you and
the mold remediation professionals assess the potential health hazards that the
growth poses.
Types
of Mold
Of the
100,000 types of mold that have been identified, the three most common types
have been identified as:
1.
Allergenic Molds.
2. Pathogenic Molds.
3. Toxigenic Molds.
Types
of Mold: Allergenic Molds
Allergenic
molds are not usually life-threatening but do cause health concerns for
individuals with allergies or asthma. Children and the elderly are most likely
to experience health issues if there are allergenic molds present in the
property.
Types
of Mold: Pathogenic Molds
Pathogenic
molds are of particular concern if your immune system is weak or compromised
because these can cause infections. This type of mold can cause
hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an acute response resembling bacterial pneumonia.
An example is Aspergillus fumigatus, which can grow in the lungs of
immune-compromised individuals.
Types
of Mold: Toxigenic Molds (aka “toxic molds”)
Toxigenic
molds are the worse types of molds because they produce mycotoxins that will
make anyone exposed to them sick. Mycotoxins are chemical toxins present within
or on the surface of the mold spore, which can be inhaled, ingested, or
touched. An example of this is an aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens
known to mankind. Aflatoxins grow on peanuts and grains, and on some other
foods.
Species
of Mold
Mold
inspectors and indoor air quality professionals use various methods to identify
the mold species.
Testing
could be done with a tape or swab sample on visible mold.
Air
quality samples may also be recommended because air borne mold spores are not
visible to the eye. Air quality samples are advantageous because they can
identify the concentration of indoor spores.
Once
samples are taken, they should be sent to accredited laboratories to analyze
them to determine the exact species of mold.
The
five most prevalent species of mold are:
1.
Alternaria.
2. Aspergillus.
3. Cladosporium.
4. Penicillium.
5. Stachybotrys.
Species
of Mold: Alternaria Mold
Alternaria
mold is commonly found in your nose, mouth and upper respiratory tract and can
cause allergic responses.
Species
of Mold: Aspergillus Mold
Aspergillus
mold is usually found in warm, extremely damp climates, and a common occupant
of house dust. This mold produces mycotoxins which is a poisonous chemical
compound. This mold variety can cause lung infections including aspergillosis.
Species
of Mold: Cladosporium Mold
Cladosporium
mold is a very common outdoor fungus that can find its way indoors and grow on
textiles, wood and other damp, porous materials. This mold triggers hay fever
and asthma symptoms.
Species
of Mold: Penicillium Mold
Penicillium
mold is a very common species found on wallpaper, decaying fabrics, carpet, and
fiberglass duct insulation. It is known for causing allergies and asthma. Some
species produce mycotoxins, one being the common antibiotic penicillin.
Species
of Mold: Stachybotrys Mold
Stachybotrys
mold is extremely toxic “black mold” that produces mycotoxins
that can cause serious breathing difficulties and bleeding of the lungs. This
mold can be found on wood or paper.
Why
Should I Be Concerned About Mold?
There
are two key reasons you should be concerned about mold:
1.
Health.
2. Structural Integrity of Property.
Health
Reasons
When
mold is disturbed, spores become airborne increasing the likelihood of
breathing spores in. While some people are not affected by mold spores, others
sharing the same environment infested with mold can have severe reactions. Mold
spore exposure can also cause adverse health effects in immune compromised
individuals. Individuals sensitive to mold exposure can suffer from nasal
stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing and more. In addition, people with chronic
illnesses, such as asthma or obstructive lung disease, may develop mold
infections in their lungs. Allergic reactions, similar to common pollen or
animal allergies, are the most common health effects in individuals sensitive
to mold. Flu-like symptoms and skin rashes can also occur.
Structural
Integrity
In
addition to the health concerns, it is also important to realize that like a
parasite mold will continue to feed on its host, causing significant structural
concerns.
How Can
I Detect Mold?
Mold
can be detected through smell, visual clues, and knowledge of the building
history, ie. was there a flood or indoor leak. We recommend that the advice of
a professional be sought because they have specialized tools and knowledge to
identify the cause of the mold growth, ie. the source of moisture, and then
make recommendations on how to remove the mold after the moisture problem has
been fixed.
Visual
Signs of Mold
Check
for visible signs of mold growth. Molds may appear in colors such as gray,
white, black, or green. Black mold, stachybotris, is especially dangerous.
Smell
A
mildewy or moldy smell is a strong indication that mold is present.
Flooding
or Indoor Leaks
If you
experienced flooding or found a leak that has not been fixed for some time,
there is a strong possibility that you will have mold growth because mold thrives
in moisture.
Winter
Mist
Generally
when it’s cold, there is an excess in moisture. Excess humidity in the
environment can cause mold growth. Ice Damning issues are a concern.
Hidden
Molds
Hidden
molds are particularly hard to find. However, if you smell a stale mildewy odor
or have allergic symptoms when close to a source with no visual mold, this may
be a clue that there is a hidden mold source.
Hire a
Professional Mold Inspector
We
strongly recommend that you hire a Certified Inspector to determine if you have
a mold issue. Professionals follow a set procedure which starts with an
interview to learn more about the building history, moisture readings to
determine if there is a source of moisture required for mold growth, and visual
inspections. During the meeting, the inspector may even recommend thermal
imaging if an identifiable moisture source is not present, but mold is
detected. Other recommendations may include a swab test, tape sample, or air
quality test to determine the type of mold and spore count present. Ultimately,
the goal of the mold inspection is to determine the extent of the mold problem
so recommendations can be made to bring the fungal ecology to a healthy level.
