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WHAT IS MOLD?
Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors, and
outdoors. Mold spores are tiny, lightweight, and easily detached by
airflow, vacuuming, walking on a carpet or sitting on a couch. In indoor
environments, they grow in air-conditioning ducts, carpets, pots of
houseplants, etc. They produce and release millions of spores, which are
small enough to stay airborne threatening to invade the human
respiratory system. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of
discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and
black. In large quantities, molds can cause allergic symptoms similar to
those caused by plant pollen. In order for mold to grow, it needs food
sources (such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt), a source of moisture,
and a place to grow.
HOW DO YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH MOLD?
Mold spores are found in all homes and offices, and grow rapidly from
excess humidity. The following are some sources of indoor moisture that
may cause mold problems in a home or office: flooding, leaky roofs,
humidifiers, damp basements or crawl spaces, constant plumbing leaks,
house plants, steam from cooking, shower/bath steam and leaks, wet
clothes, bathroom towels, sweaty sneakers indoors, dirty HVAC systems,
spilled liquids on carpeted surfaces and clothes dryers vented indoors.
WHAT CAN MOLD DO TO YOU?
Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone but the following individuals
are at a higher risk for adverse heath effects: infants, children,
elderly, immune compromised patients, pregnant women, and individuals
with existing respiratory conditions. When inhaled, even in small
amounts, mold can cause a wide range of health problems including
respiratory problems (wheezing), nasal and sinus congestion, watery and
red eyes, nose and throat irritation, skin irritation, aches and pains,
fevers, and in some cases even death.
More on Spores
Spores and microscopic fragments of mold growth are a natural component
of both outdoor and indoor air. However, when molds germinate and grow,
they can produce large amounts of spores. Recently, concern has arisen
that elevated levels of mold spores in indoor living or working
environments may increase the risk of adverse health effects,
particularly respiratory problems. Reliable Construction Services has
searched the web and found documents summarizing currently available
knowledge regarding the occurrence of molds and possible human health
effects. View these links to other sites with helpful information
regarding molds and other indoor air contaminants.
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