Mold Damage

As water evaporates in a building it causes abnormal humidity conditions which can contribute to rapid mold growth. High humidity conditions need to be reduced quickly in order to prevent this growth. After water intrusion, mold spores can germinate and multiply rapidly. Given acceptable growth conditions, one organism can multiply to more than one billion organisms in one day. This is why Tyson Construction and Restoration has a 24 hour emergency response team with state of the art drying equipment ready to respond when called in order to prevent mold before it begins.

Mold contamination

The correct biological term for mold and mildew is fungi. In the science of biology, fungi represent a 5th kingdom that is neither plant nor animal. Plants use chlorophyll to perform photosynthesis to sustain life. Animals eat food and use their digestive system to break it down into the necessary proteins, fats, ect. Fungi have a digestive system on the outside of their bodies. They secrete enzymes that digest complex organic material, such as wood, into smaller molecules which can be absorbed and used for food. Spores are the sexual means for reproduction of mold. Spores are adapted for airborne disposal and can survive harsh conditions for years as they wait for the right conditions for growth. Failure to carefully remove mold contaminated material can result in the spread of mold spores throughout the house.

Fungi are classified as follows,

Micro Fungi are the fungi most likely to affect the homes we live in. Commonly found in bathrooms, on wet wood, and on wet drywall micro fungi are so small they can only be seen when growing in colonies with millions of spores.

Macro fungi are mushrooms with large fruiting bodies raised above the ground to allow for spore disposal. This type of fungi are the cause of wood rot and left unfound can cause major structural damage to a home. The picture below shows the destructive damage caused by wood rot around a window of a home we worked on New Bern, NC. This type of mold does not cause harmful effects to humans. This particular home had wood rot damage under almost every window in the house and the owners werenot even aware of it.

Mold is everywhere. It is ubiquitous to our planet. You cannot get away from it. It is a normal and important part of our environment and it will not normally proliferate in a home unless the following conditions occur.

The presence of mold spores. Since mold spores are airborne there is little you can do to prevent them from entering your home. Every time you open the door to your home mold spores are let in.

Nutrient source. Mold will grow on any organic material. Since our homes are composed of paper, wood, sheetrock, carpet, ect., a food source for mold is readily available.

Moisture. Because mold will not grow without a source of water this condition can be controlled by us to prevent mold growth.

Environmental Conditions. Mold growth is amplified by high levels of humidity and high air temperatures. Both of these conditions are controllable.

Harmful Effects of Mold

Mycotoxins

Molds spores will under certain conditions produce a substance called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are used by molds as a kind of chemical warfare to prevent other mold colonies from moving in on their food source. Mycotoxins can cause a toxic response in man when inhaled, ingested, or exposed to the skin. These toxins are produced both inside the mold spores and on the outside of the spores. Killing the mold spore does not stop the toxicity of the mycotoxin. You must actually remove the spores from the contaminated room to prevent allergic reactions. Because mold spores are so small, they range in size from 2 to 20 microns with a micron being one millionth of a meter, they can easily become airborne when a mold colony is disturbed. This can cause the spores to disperse throughout the home.

Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds, MVOC's

MVOC's are the moldy odors we associate with fungi and are composed of alcohols, ketones, hydrocarbons, and aromatics. These are the result of the digestive processes of mold and if you smell that familiar musty odor chances are good you have active mold causing these MVOC's. These substances can be absorbed by porous building material and released over time. Valid information on long term effects of MVOC's are lacking at this time.

Health effects of exposure to mold

Infants and young children, the elderly and the sick, and people with a compromised immune system are more likely to become ill after exposure to mold. Mold can potentially cause allergic, infectious, and toxic diseases.

The most common response to mold exposure is an allergic reaction. Allergic respiratory diseases occur from inhaling mold spores. Diseases include allergic rhinitis (runny nose) allergic asthma (restriction of the airways), and lung tissue inflammation.

Remember that stopping the growth of mold does not prevent them from causing medical symptoms. Dead mold spores can still be allergenic. If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your home call a certified mold remediation specialist.

If mold has already begun to grow in your home you need a Professional Restoration company trained in mold removal. Steve Tyson has been trained as a Certified Microbial Remediation Specialist and has the knowledge and experience to help restore your home.

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