Mold Growth - What is Mold?

When you think about mold, you’re probably like most people. The first image that comes to mind is a black somewhat furry substance that grows in humid places. And you’re partially right. Mold does grow in places where moisture tends to collect. Places like air conditioning units, underneath freezers and fridges, and in bathrooms. But mold does not always have to be black. It can be brown, green, and even white.

Mold is a microscopic fungus that needs organic materials and water to grow. It gets nutrients from the organic matter from matter as varied as wallpaper, wood and plant roots. Mold that grows in a house is one of the major causes of respiratory problems and allergies.

Is there "Good" Mold?

Mold in a house in bad for you. Period. But mold does have some positive applications in properly controlled environments. Pencillin is probably the best known form of good mold. It’s one of the most common anitbiotics used to treat bacterial infections.

Mold is also used to create gourmet cheeses. Examples of gourmet cheeses made from mold are Stilton cheese and Brie cheese. Stilton cheese has a green looking mold growth on it. Brie has a white moldy crust on the outside. Mold is also used in the production of certain blends of black tea, soybean paste, tempeh, sake and soy sauce.

Bad Mold

Although there are positive uses for mold, most forms of this fungus are not good for you. For those with compromised immune systems, such as people with AIDS, mold is especially hazardous. The most deadly types of molds are the ones that excrete mycotoxins.

Mold that excretes mycotoxins can be found in buildings that have suffered water damage. Buildings that have suffered water damage but have been untreated may still have mold growth that’s not visible to the naked eye. Homes damaged in Hurricane Katrina had to be stripped to the studs and foundations because of the risk of invisible mold growth. Roofs and pipes that leak are two other causes of mold growth in homes and other buildings.

In a building infested with mold, be sure to wear an appropriate EPA-approved mask. This will protect you against mold poisoning your respiratory system making sure you don’t breathe in any of the spores. Inhaled spores can thrive in the mucosal lining of your nose, eyes and mouth for an indefinite period of time. The spores then can find their way to your lungs and cause health problems.

Bleach can be used to clean small amounts of this toxic fungus. Always consult a professional to remove larger amounts of mold or to treat entire rooms or homes. Make safety your ultimate priority when dealing with mold.

Why Is It Important to have a Working Mold Killer?

Mold is a tenacious organism that can grow quickly in carpet, drywall and wood. The mold organisms take root below the porous surface of these organic materials making it a very difficult organism to kill. Mold can compromise your immune system because the spores can get into your respiratory system causing many different ailments.

Chlorine bleach does not work if you’re searching for a universal mold killer. It can only be used on non-porous surfaces where the mold roots can’t effectively establish themselves. Chlorin bleach cannot penetrate the porous surface of organic materials and only removes the visible part without getting to the root far below the surface.

How to kill mold is more challenging than a simple soak with bleach.

An Answer to the Question: What is the most effective mold killer?

Professionals know how to kill mold properly. They have the necessary tools and know-how to complete the job properly. Professionals use chemical biocides to kill mold. Using biocides to get rid of mold requires licensing that only professionals who know how to kill mold can obtain.

Biocides are very effective. They kill mold spores about 99.9% of the time. Though biocides are a great mold killer they are not a foolproof method. Sometimes there’s still some danger that mold spores will remain. When mold spores are dying, they secrete metabolites that can survive the chemical application. These mold spore metabolites can still make you sick if they’re inhaled. For this reason, the only 100% effective way to kill mold is to physically remove it.

Professionals know how to kill mold with biocide chemicals, but they’re also aware that only complete removal of it is the only sure way to protect yourself from mold’s health compromising spores. Most professionals who use biocide will warn you about the 0.1% chance of continued mold growth and will encourage you to fix the moisture problem that caused the mold growth in the first place.

How to Kill Mold Yourself

Large mold infestations need to be handled by a professional. For example, if your home has been damaged by a storm or flood waters, it’s unwise to handle the mold problem yourself. You can, however, strip your home by removing the mold-infestested laminate flooring, dryway and tile until all you’re left with is wood studs, electrical wiring and plumbing pipes. You’ll then need to call a professional mold killer to remove the spores that have established themselves in the wood studs.

Smaller amounts of mold on non-porous surfaces can be killed with chlorine bleach.

Recognizing Potentially Deadly Black Mold

Mold usually grows naturally outdoors in decaying plants and other decomposing organic matter. But there is one species of the Stachybotrys type of mold, called black mold, that can easily grow indoors if steps aren’t taken to prevent its growth. Black mold, as the name suggests, is often black, but it can also be dark brown in color when it’s moist. When the mold grows in drier settings, it’s close to a light gray in color.

Black mold looks like other types of molds that grow indoors. Sometimes it’s difficult to diagnose the type of mold and indoor mold is, and it’s important to get proper testing done. Black molds can cause many health problems and it’s important to know exactly what type of mold you’re dealing with so that you can take the appropriate precautions against mold poisoning to protect your health.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Black Mold

All molds need a humid location and a fair amount of water in order to thrive. Once a growth cycle is established, molds can continue to thrive even if the conditions become drier. Ideal growing conditions for black mold include proper tempature, plenty of moisture and a source of nutrients.

Black mold grows especially well on any item that has a generous cellulose content. This could include straw, hay and wood. Other building materials such as ceiling tile, insulation backing, drywall, wallpaper or any other paper-covered product also provides the ideal growing conditions for black mold. Especially if the home has been damaged by water such as in a flood.

It takes black mold several weeks of growing before it becomes established enough to be visible to the naked eye. This is different from other molds in that most typically take a few days to grow and become visible. Beware. Even though you may not be able to see the black mold right away, it can still cause many health problems by getting into your mucosal membranes or lungs.

Removing Black Mold

Whenever you remove black mold, it’s a good idea to wear a respiratory mask so that you prevent breathing in any of the spores. A respiratory mask can be bought at any medical supply store. Small amounts of mold can be removed with a solution of bleach and water or with soap and water. Larger amounts of mold will likely require removal by a professional knowledgeable in mold removal,  like an industrial hygienist.

Health problems linked to black mold include minor ailments such as an assortment of skin rashes to more serious respiratory illnesses like asthma and allergies. Black mold must be removed immediately for the safety of your health. Other molds can also cause health problems, and the best way to prevent or eliminate mold-related health problems is to get it treated right away.