Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and something to feed on. In the fall, they grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, especially in moist, shady areas. In gardens, they can be found in compost piles and on certain grasses and weeds.
Molds grow in our homes in moist warm areas like damp basements, crawlspaces, closets, and bathrooms, even after the moisture has dried up. Dirt crawlspaces can be the main source of mold for the inside of an entire home. The worst place that molds can grow, however, is inside wall cavities and flooring of our homes, wherever there may be cellulose materials they can feed on. Cellulose materials such as wood, ceiling tiles, or drywall, even if they are not visible, and if the material has sustained water damage at one time or another makes for a perfect environment for mold to grow.
Many people are either unaware, ignorant, or in denial about the severe health hazards involved with some types of indoor household molds. Molds come in thousands of different varieties, but a few who are some of the offenders that invade our homes:
- Alternaria and Cladosporium are the molds most commonly found both indoors and outdoors throughout the United States. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Aureobasidium are also common.
- One of the mycotoxins, aflatoxin, is produced by the fungi Penicillium, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasitcus. Mycotoxins B1 is the most toxic, carcinogenic and prevalent.
- The most dangerous mold strains are: Chaetomium and Stachybotrys chartarum as they have been proven to produce demylenating mycotoxins among others, meaning they can lead to autoimmune disease. Under certain growth and environmental conditions, both of these fungi release toxic, microscopic spores and several types of mycotoxins that can cause the worst symptoms which are usually irreversible such as neurological and immunological damage.
- Some of these natural mycotoxins include a very strong class known as trichothecees. Trichothecenes are also produced by several common molds including species in the Acremonium and Trichoderma. The trichothecenes are potent inhibitors of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. It has been well studied in animal models because of concern about their potential misuse as agents of biological warfare, due to their ability of destroy human health (mentally and physically), and never appear in and autopsy.
The disturbing factor about airborne mycotoxins is that it is impossible to know how much damage they have caused to one’s health until it is too late. Therefore, it is imperative not to knowingly expose oneself even for brief periods of time in any place the smells moldy or has an appearance of mold or mildew.
If you suspect that the air quality in your home is being compromised by mold spores you can have the air tested. Contact or Call us, 1-888-978-7324, for a FREE estimate today!