What is Mold?
Mold is a natural part of the environment, thriving outdoors by breaking down organic matter like fallen leaves and dead trees. However, indoors, mold growth should be avoided as it can pose health risks and damage property. Mold reproduces through tiny spores that are invisible to the naked eye and travel through the air. It begins to grow indoors when these spores land on moist or wet surfaces. Controlling moisture is essential to preventing mold, as it cannot grow without water. Mold exposure can lead to allergic reactions, irritations, and other health problems, particularly for sensitive individuals.
Is Mold really harmful?
Mold can be harmful because it produces allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic substances called mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold spores may cause allergic reactions, such as sneezing, runny nose, skin rash, and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. Additionally, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, even in people who are not allergic.
Is mold testing necessary?
Mold testing can be helpful for confirming whether mold cleanup or remediation has been effective, especially by assessing if mold levels have been reduced to acceptable background levels. It can also assist in identifying hidden mold in cases where the source of a moldy odor is unclear, or if there are health concerns linked to unseen mold growth. Testing is most effective when conducted by professionals with expertise in mold sampling and analysis.