What is Mold?

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Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, the growth of mold should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Molds have the potential to cause health problems.

Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

A recent study discovered that mold flourishes, often in place you'd least expect. Here are some interesting statistics: on 88% of windowsills, on 83% of refrigerator seals, under 82% of sinks and on 49% of shower grout.

Toxic Molds and "Black Mold"

One toxic mold that has made recent headlines is "black mold", otherwise called Stachybotrys Chartarum. It typically grows in dark hidden places such as under carpets and behind your walls, and exposure to black mold is linked to some serious health effects. If you discover that you have a black mold problem, do not try to get rid of the mold yourself. Get a professional to do it for you.

Suddenly, black mold has popped up on many radar screens -- those of home owners, insurers, builders, and medical folk. But research -- both government and private -- is shallow and contradictory so far, especially about the health effects. Luckily, we know more about practical issues -- what black mold is, how you get it, how to prevent it?

It's time to learn what the enemy is so you can avoid it. Catch any mold early. and it's easy to eliminate. Let black mold grow a long time and you have an expensive problem.

One important warning: Black mold is becoming the newest home repair scam. Do not deal with anyone who calls on the phone or shows up at your door and offers to test for mold. Reputable services don't work like that.

A Black Mold Primer

What it is and isn't?

First, most molds look black, so don't panic when you see one. The one monopolising today's conversation is Stachybotrys atra, or Stachy (STACK-ee) for short -- and actually it's green-black.

We inspect mold and advise on remediation throughout Los Angeles, Orange County and Southern California.

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