The subject of mold can raise many emotions, but none of them are good. While some mold is beneficial under some circumstances (especially if you like cheese!), many varieties of this fungus can wreak havoc on your life and health. If Florida, we most often hear about mold in the context of it growing in a home that is too damp or humid. Because mold left unchecked can cause many problems, it is essential to understand what mold really is and how you can plan to avoid it in your Sarasota County home.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a substance that develops in a colony, very much like any fungus. It is a living organism, so it needs to be nourished with food and water. It also requires an appropriate environment to grow and thrive, most notably these three specific variables:
- Mold requires sufficient oxygen, which explains why mold is often found in residential air ducts and locations in the house that experience constant airflow.
- Mold needs water to grow and survive, and it quickly grows in damp places and areas that exhibit high humidity, allowing the mold to absorb all excess water.
- Mold lives in darkness as the UV rays from direct sunlight will typically kill a colony quickly.
Therefore mold is usually found in dark, moist environments with access to airflow.
Why Is It Harmful?
The Health of Your Family: Mold can be dangerous because it can harm people if they ingest it. Of course, mold is not typically eaten (except possibly by pets), so the greater danger lies in breathing mold spores that may be floating through the air. Mold reproduces via spores that are sent into the air, eventually settling in a new location and starting a new growth colony. When those mold spores are breathed in by people in the home, they can infect the respiratory system. Mold infections can mimic either viral or bacterial infections, and each one manifests different symptoms.
Furniture and Home Structure: When mold is present, it is a sure bet that water is also present. Water can damage the structural integrity of metal, wood, and concrete – meaning it can damage the integrity and safety of the home itself. Mold may grow in dark corners of rooms such as laundry rooms, garages, or even in closets. It lives off rotting wood, so it is often found in the rafters of an attic if there is an undetected roof leak.
You may be able to identify mold growth in your home with your sense of smell. If you detect a foul odor and cannot determine its source, you may be breathing in mold spores. Significant humidity levels in your house present an optimal environment for mold to grow and thrive – even in areas you cannot see. If for some reason, your A/C unit is not able to control the indoor humidity, you may need an A/C technician – but you can also use a dehumidifier in damp areas.
Importance of Remediating Mold
If there is a problem, you may wish to call a mold remediation company to remove any colonies – but after that, you’ll need to work with an A/C services company to ensure that your indoor environment is cool and dry. Mold is often caused by poor airflow or a failure to cool the home, so call Ocean Air to help you to make sure your system is working efficiently and correctly.