Mold Facts: Part 2

The following is a compilation of some interesting mold facts, which could provide useful for homeowners. It is useful to be fully cognizant of how mold works, what you're up against and how to prevent against potential mold in the property. The more information you assimilate, the more power you hold: 

• There are over 200 species of fungi to which people are routinely exposed indoors and outdoors.

 

• Basements are more susceptible to mold growth and concentrations, and are likely to have higher counts than in any other indoor area. This is especially true during the winter period.

 

• Exposure to mold in indoor environments predominantly takes place via inhalation of airborne mold spores. 

 

• The installation of humidifiers to HVAC systems, or as autonomous units, can introduce excess/higher levels of humidity, chemicals  or various microorganisms that inhabit and grow on components in very warm, humid environments-such as drip pans in AC units.
  
  
• Mold can be both dead and alive. Although some may consider it to be benign, dead mold can still cause allergic reactions in certain individuals, which is why it is imperative to remove all visible mold, rather than just kill it.
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• Be mindful if you have a crawlspace in the property, especially if no vapor barrier has been installed above the soil.  It has been documented that mold spores can actually be conveyed inside a house, due to mold growth in the crawlspace, via the sub-flooring.