What is Mold?

Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors, and in any type of climate. They can grow in places we least expect. In indoor environments, molds commonly grow in places such as air conditioning ducts, carpets, and pots of house plants.

Molds produce and release millions of spores, which are small enough to stay airborne, threatening to invade the human respiratory system. Mold spores are very tiny, light-weight, and easily-detached by airflow, vacuuming, walking on carpet, or sitting on a couch. Within 4 to 9 days a single mold spore can germinate and produce hundreds of thousands of airborne spores.

In large quantities, molds can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown or black.

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.

What is Toxic Mold?

While mold exists everywhere, it sometimes takes on a dangerous form.

The scientific name for the greenish-black mold that turns up on carpet, wallpaper, ceiling tiles - even wet leaves - is Stachybotrys Chartarum (see inset). It produces a mycotoxin that causes mycotoxicosis, and is thought to be the cause of "sick building syndrome."

You won't find toxic mold on plastic, vinyl, concrete, or ceramic tiles - it grows where the relative humidity averages more than 55% and there is a food source such as cellulose.

Where can Mold turn up?

Just about anywhere. In addition to areas indicated around your home, it may also grow in or on your boat, RV, hotel room, or second home, especially if it is closed up for extended periods of time.

Mold spores or seeds and the mycotoxins from mold become airborne with almost any activity. Vacuuming, walking, sitting on your couch, or just having the heating unit or air conditioner on can cause the airborn mold or mycotoxins to spread throughout your breathing space.

Too much water can also spread molds and allow them to grow, such as in the aftermath of a flood. The EPA has a useful booklet you may find helpful if you have experienced flooding.

Why should you test for Mold?

You may not know if you have been exposed to mold spores or the mycotoxins they release into the air you breathe. You won't know if you have a toxic mold unless you test for it. Exposure to even small amounts of mold can be dangerous and cause health problems for you and your family or employees.

How do you test for Mold?

Testing for mold is easy with our Mold Test Kit . This do-it-yourself test can return information on the mold in your home or office within three days, letting you breathe easier. To learn more or to purchase the Mold Test Kit, just click on this link!