Where does mold develop and what are possible causes and health risks?
Buyers Answers

What is Mold and how does it develop?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on plants and fibers and is most often associated with damp, musty locations such as bathrooms, basements and attics. Mold travels through the air as tiny spores which like to make their home in wet areas, where they will breed.  Mold is a decomposer of organic material such as wood, plants, and animals.  Mold requires nutrients to grow such as water, oxygen and favorable temperatures.  Mold requires moisture to survive and can habitate very easily in humidity that is above 70 percent.  Many molds thrive at normal indoor temperatures and are able to grow at temperatures between 40º F to 100º F. 

Is Mold harmful to my health?

Mold can present a hazard to one's health. It's 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.

How do I get rid of it?

To eliminate mold, you'll first need to eliminate the source. Find out how and where moisture is seeping into your home and deal with it accordingly. If the area where mold is found isn't too large, the moisture problem can probably be tackled by the homeowner. If it's a large area, covering ten square feet or more, the homeowner is well advised to contact his local environmental protection group for a recommendation. A professional who deals with mold removal on a regular basis will most likely need to be called in.  If the you are tackling the mold yourself, it is in your best interest to invest in a face mask of sorts. The last thing you want to do is breathe in mold.  A long sleeved shirt and long pants should complete the protective outfit.  If the mold is fuzzy, the you should vacuum with a shop vac as thoroughly as possible. If mold is abundant, the filter will probably need to be replaced after vacuuming. After that, the area should be scrubbed thoroughly with bleach using a scrub brush. After all the mold is removed, the area should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water and dried completely with towels and rags.