Mold Information

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that reproduces from seed-like spores and can easily grow in many places of your property. Often, the mold will form in places that are humid and dark such as behind walls or in the attic. Once the mold has formed, mold remediation Delaware professionals can properly restore the affected areas. 
 
Mold can grow year round and if you become the victim of mold growth it is important to know what you are up against. The most common types of mold are cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria and aspergillus.

Cladosporium: This type of mold is most commonly found indoors on plants, soil and textiles. It can be harmful to human health, causing asthma problems, allergic reactions and weakening of the immune system. Cladosporium is dark green and black in color and has over 30 different species. 

Penicillium: This type of mold can be found indoors in food and dust. It is harmful to those susceptible to it, such as people with weakened immune systems and allergies.

Alternaria: This common indoor mold can cause asthma problems, hay fever and allergic reactions. It forms in almost any color and is often found in food, plants and soil.

Aspergillus: With more than 160 species, this mold produces mycotoxins. Aspergillus can cause infections and allergic reactions. It is found in soil and food.

Many types of fungi exist and estimates range from tens of thousands to over three hundred thousand species.

Mold Factsheet

Here are some things you should know about mold:

• Mold is a type of fungus. Other fungi include yeast and mushrooms.
  
  
• Outside mold is found in soil, decaying vegetation, compost piles, rotting wood and fallen leaves. Outdoor mold can get inside through open windows and doors, ventilation systems and on pets, clothing and shoes.
  
  
• Mold grows year round and in all types of climates although it favors a warm and humid environment.
  
  
• Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. People who are allergic to mold, have asthma or have a weakened immune system are most likely to be harmed through mold exposure.
  
  
• To grow, mold needs food such as high moisture levels, high temperatures and excess humidity. After a flood or water intrusion, dryout services Delaware can help eliminate the potential for mold growth.
  
  
• Mold is a decomposer of organic materials such as wood, plants and animals.
  
  
• Molds are strong allergens although most people are not allergic to them.
  
  
• Common indoor mold include: cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria and aspergillus
  
  
  

Mold Myths and Facts

Myth: Mold only grows on organic materials such as wood and food.

Fact:  Mold can grow on any surface including glass.

Myth: All molds are toxic.

Fact: Only some molds produce mycotoxins which can be harmful to a person’s health. 

Myth: Only messy and dirty properties have mold problems.

Fact:  Mold does not discriminate and is often found in clean environments.

Myth: If I don’t see mold on my property, it probably doesn’t exist.

Fact:  Mold often grows in hidden places such as behind wall paper and paint or in attics and basements. 

Myth: Mold affects everyone the same.

Fact: Mold is more harmful to people with allergies and those with weakened immune systems. 

Myth: Mold can be completely eliminated.

Fact:  There will always be mold spores in the air.  It is impossible to completely rid a property of mold. The best one can do is stay on the look out for mold problems and take care of them as needed. If you find mold growth in your home, mold remediation Maryland specialists can take care of the problem.