When is mold a problem

Because mold is virtually everywhere, we are in almost constant contact with mold spores. Outdoors, a single breath of air can contain more than a hundred varieties of spores as they float through the air. Indoors, the numbers are not much lower. Spores can enter a building through any opening, whether it be doors, windows, vents, heating and cooling systems, etc. In general, the amount of mold outside and the amount of mold inside is about the same.

There may be an increased number of spores, if the spores have found a place to colonize. For example, if they have found damp area to make their home, they will begin to populate and produce more spores. Outdoors, this is rarely a problem and the increased spore count that this produces is unlikely to cause any serious health concern. Indoors, however, there is a more serious problem. This increased spore count can actually cause a number of health risks, include allergic reactions (in both animals and humans), dry, itchy skin, asthma, headaches, infections, etc.

When mold colonizes and spores indoors, it is likely to create a variety of different spores, some of which are not typically found in the air when there is a normal level of mold. Stachybotrys is a kind of mold that often begins to grow in the walls and carpet of a building that has experienced water damage. Commonly called black mold, Stachybotrys is toxigenic, meaning that it can cause serious health problems with prolonged exposure.

Though it is impossible to control how much mold there is outdoors, there are ways to fight the spread of mold indoors. This can be done by cutting off sources of moisture, as damp areas are most likely to collect mold spores. If there ever is an incidence of water damage, it is important to act immediately to clean up the problem.

 

For more information about mold inspections and removal processes, call us today (406) 755-5322.   We pride ourselves on being an authority on all things mold. If you have a question about this topic, do not hesitate to contact us today!