Massive molds and mildews: nothing to worry about

In the United States of America there are more than over 1000 species of mold, the common thing about them is that they can have the serious consequences for both the living place and the health of any individual. Molds are from the fungi kingdom and mildew is from the same reputation. Molds are the microscopic airborne tiny spores that reproduce through air. That means they are ubiquitous. Mold and mildew have the same two features. Firstly they grow on the food and make sure they get fed from that food and secondly they need wet and damp condition to work out their enzymes in regards to grow for the entire food organism in the world.

In addition, since mold’s job in nature is to break down organic compounds in the soil, it does the same thing to the wood in your house – breaks it down. And that’s not even taking into account the ugly stains and musty, moldy odors that it leaves in your house. Molds has set up its emperor in every places like in the bathrooms, paint, crawl spaces, adhesive,  ceiling tiles, wallboards, plaster walls or carpets on the damp wall surface on the food stuff etc.

According to the United States Center for Disease Control the mold spores are the cause of irritation for the children and the adults who have the asthma, sinus and cough. Spores can be allergenic. When inhaled, mold spores may germinate, attaching to cells along the respiratory tract and causing further problems in those with weak immune systems. One example is Stachybotrys Chartarum or commonly known as black mold which has been associated with sick building syndrome. Some mycotoxins produced by molds are known to be harmful to health in all people. Other mycotoxins cause immune system responses that vary considerably, depending on the individual. The duration of exposure is a key factor in triggering immune system response. Farm animals often die or suffer from mycotoxin poisoning. Mycotoxins resist decomposition from cooking, and remain in the food chain.

There are ways to control mold growth around your home and keep the harmful effects to a minimum. Here are some tips from professionals who deal with mold and disinfectants every day.

• Moisture is a breeding ground for mold. You must stop moisture from entering your house by covering dirt floors in cellars and crawlspaces, and use a dehumidifier in damp rooms. Vent your clothes dryer and bathroom fans to the outside, not to the attic or between walls to prevent moisture buildup that encourages the growth of mold.

• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with mold cleaner and water, then spray surfaces with a germicidal spray to kill any lingering mold spores. The surfaces should stay wet with the cleaner for at least two minutes, though some cleaners require longer.

• Bathrooms are the biggest breeding grounds for mold and mildew. An exhaust fan can cut down on the moisture in the air that encourages mold to grow. Tile grout and shower door tracks are notorious for collecting mold. Spray them daily with a foaming disinfectant cleaner and wipe dry.

• Mold on porous surfaces is another problem entirely. In most cases, there’s no help for it. If you find mold on ceiling tiles, wallboards, plaster walls or carpets, you’ll need to replace them.

• Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. If there’s a musty, moldy smell but you find no evidence of mold, you may be dealing with a hidden mold problem. Mold can grow on the back of wallpaper, behind wallboards, under carpets and floorboards – just about anywhere. The EPA recommends that if you suspect a hidden mold problem, you hire a contractor that knows how to deal with mold. Simply stripping off wallpaper that’s covered with mold, for instance, can release millions of mold spores into the air, posing a potential health problem. To prevent mold and make cleaning easier, spray the shower fixtures, tub, walls, shower curtains and any other shower surfaces with a preventative shower spray which will help keep mold off surfaces and keep your bathroom smelling sweet and clean. Shower spray can also be used in other high humidity areas with hard surfaces. Prevention is the best way to deal with mold problems.