What is mold?

Mold is a naturally occurring substance that evolved on earth long before man. Mold is part of the fungus family; there are over 100,000 known species of mold. Mold releases enzymes that break down organic material. It plays a vital role in decomposing dead plant matter, and has given us valuable medicines against bacteria like penicillin. The trouble arises from the fact that mold can also break down the organic matter like our houses, and cause health consequences in our bodies.

What causes mold to grow?

Mold needs three things to grow - food, water and the right temperature. Mold thrives in the same temperature range that humans generally prefer (48°F to 70°F), and mold feasts on components of wallboard, carpets and other common household furnishings and construction materials. Therefore, the only real way to control mold is to eliminate its water source.

How can you tell if it's mold?

Usually the musty odor, because sometimes you can’t see mold. It comes in a variety of colors other than the commonly known dark green, black or brown. You should use a home testing kit, or call in an expert for a home inspection.

Besides a musty odor, or the staining, crumbling or swelling of plaster and the separation of baseboards, the following are problem signs of mold:

Mold and/or Mildew – Fungus that grows in damp, dark areas, causes discoloration, musty smells and odors.

Musty Odors – This is the result of the decay process from mold, mildew and dry rot.

Dry Rot – Dark brown/black fungus. Grows on walls.

What are the potential health effects of mold?

The link between mold and serious health effects is still being studied, but there is no longer any question that mold causes respiratory symptoms (asthma) and allergic reactions (sneezing, coughing, watery eyes...). A Mayo Clinic study has shown that nearly 100% of chronic sinus infections are due to mold. Other adverse heath symptoms that can be caused by mold can be:

Mold is emerging as a health and safety issue in many areas of the country. Studies have shown that nearly 50% of U.S. homes contain enough molds to cause respiratory symptoms.

Who is most at risk of adverse health effects from exposure to mold?

• The elderly
• Young children & infants
• Pregnant women
• People with asthma
• People with allergies

Reactions to Mold

People react differently to Toxic Mold exposure. Certain individuals, especially children, exhibit severe reactions to mold which include damage to lung tissue, memory loss, and even death. Other persons exhibit less severe symptoms and fewer long-term consequences when exposed to toxic mold. Severity of symptoms and effects may depend on the individuals’ chemical sensitivity, genetic disposition, and health history (allergies, asthma, smoking, etc.). For some, the exposure to the toxic mold spores may be classified as a “health risk” while it is a true “health hazard” (potential for loss of life or quality of life) for others.

Mold is a type of fungus, and is the decomposer of dead organic material such as leaves, wood and plants. The spores and hair-like bodies of individual mold colonies are too small for us to see, but when a lot of mold is growing on a surface, it often appears black or green.

If mold is growing behind vinyl wallpaper, colorful pink or purple splotches may appear. Mold can damage and destroy building materials, and should be treated as soon as possible.

Mold Terms & Definations

Allergenic – Organisms typically associated with an allergic type of response.

Pathogenic – Organisms capable of causing adverse health effects, primarily in the young, elderly and immune compromised segments of the population.

Toxigenic – Some organisms in this genus are capable of causing adverse health effects in all segments of the population. Organisms capable of causing adverse health effects in all segments of the population.

At Black Diamond Consulting we offer other services to you, as follows:

• Water & Flood Damage Restoration Specialists
• Certified Approved Vendor Vortex Drying System™
• Sewage Mitigation
• Truck Mounted Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• Residential, Commercial and Industrial Carpet Cleaning
• Carpet Repair & Reinstallation
• Carpet Color Repair
• Oriental & Rug Cleaning Specialists
  
• Indoor Allergy & Odor Control Specialists
• Leather Cleaning
• Hard Surface Inspection
• Hard Surface Cleaning
• Tile & Grout Cleaning

If you need floor or mold treatment at this time, contact us for a free inspection and estimate to protect your home or call us today for a free no-obligation estimate at (619)472-3809 or fax:(619)472-6619. Our friendly staff will be happy to discuss your flood or mold problems.