WHAT IS MOLD?
Mold is a common term given to fungi in almost all parts of the world. Mold is a fungus that produces a superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. Mold can look like velvet. It can be found growing in areas where moisture is present. Once mold has conditions for growth, it grows rapidly and spreads. When the conditions for growth do not exist, the mold becomes powdery and can be easily airborne and spread through air. Where it finds conditions encouraging growth, it starts growing again without difficulty.
Mold spores grow quickly in areas that are humid and without ventilation. Mold can grow on almost all surfaces like paper, leather, wood, wet cement, wet tiles, etc. Temperature is not a major factor affecting mold growth and high temperature with absence of moisture will effectively prevent mold growth. Here the prevention is not due to high temperature but due to absence of moisture. In case the moisture is absent from the mold affected area, the mold does not die, it propagates.
In addition to its unsightly appearance, mold can present a health hazard to human beings and many mammals. The mold separated due to high temperatures becomes air borne and because of its smaller size can be a serious health hazard as it is lodged in respiratory tract. It can also go in your body through cuts and cause problems with the immune system. Mold is an allergen and an irritant. Someone who suffers from household allergies or asthma will no doubt have trouble breathing in homes with mold infestations. Eyes, ears, noses and throats can become irritated as well.
Mold spores grow quickly in areas that are humid and without ventilation. Mold can grow on almost all surfaces like paper, leather, wood, wet cement, wet tiles, etc. Temperature is not a major factor affecting mold growth and high temperature with absence of moisture will effectively prevent mold growth. Here the prevention is not due to high temperature but due to absence of moisture. In case the moisture is absent from the mold affected area, the mold does not die, it propagates.
In addition to its unsightly appearance, mold can present a health hazard to human beings and many mammals. The mold separated due to high temperatures becomes air borne and because of its smaller size can be a serious health hazard as it is lodged in respiratory tract. It can also go in your body through cuts and cause problems with the immune system. Mold is an allergen and an irritant. Someone who suffers from household allergies or asthma will no doubt have trouble breathing in homes with mold infestations. Eyes, ears, noses and throats can become irritated as well.