Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, present virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors.  Molds, along with mushrooms and yeasts, are fungi and are needed to break down dead material and recycle nutrients in the environment.  For molds to grow and reproduce, they need only a food source – any organic material, such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt— and moisture.  Because molds grow by digesting the organic material, they gradually destroy whatever they grow on.  Sometimes, new molds grow on old mold colonies.  Mold growth on surfaces can often be seen in the form of discoloration, frequently green, gray, brown, or black but also white and other colors.  Molds release countless tiny, lightweight spores, which travel through the air. 

Should I be concerned about mold in my home? 

Yes.  If indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore exposures.  Persons exposed to high spore levels can become sensitized and develop allergies to the mold or other health problems.  Mold growth can damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets.  Clothes and shoes in damp closets can become soiled. In time, unchecked mold growth can cause serious damage to the structural elements in your home. 

Warping floors and discoloration of walls and ceilings can be indications of moisture problems.  Condensation on windows or walls is also an important indication, but it can sometimes be caused by an indoor combustion problem.

Molds will grow and multiply whenever conditions are right—sufficient moisture is available and organic material is present.  Be on the lookout in your home for common sources of indoor moisture that may lead to mold problems:

• Flooding

• Leaky roofs

• Sprinkler spray hitting the house

• Plumbing leaks

• Overflow from sinks or sewers

• Damp basement or crawl space

• Steam from shower or cooking

• Humidifiers

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The Health Effects of Mold Exposure

Everyone is exposed to mold in some concentration in the outdoor air. Indoor exposure to molds is not healthy for anyone. In particular, those with allergies, existing respiratory conditions or suppressed immune systems are especially susceptible to health problems from mold exposure. Additionally, infants and children, pregnant women and the elderly can be sensitive to the effects of mold exposure. Some molds are more hazardous than others are. As humans vary greatly in their chemical makeup, so does the body's reaction to mold exposure. For some people, a small number of mold spores can cause health problems. For others, it may take many more.

Do Not Touch…Mold exposure can have irreversible damage. Without proper precautions mold spore love moist areas like eyes. Call a professional: 800.774.9555

Allergic reactions are the most common and typically include: respiratory problems such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, nasal and sinus congestion, sinusitis, burning, watery- reddened eyes or blurry vision, sore throat, dry cough, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, and skin irritation. Other, less common effects are: nervous system problems (headaches, memory loss, and moodiness), aches and pains, and fever.

If occupants have any of these symptoms, and the symptoms are reduced or completely gone when the person leaves the suspect area, chances are that they have been exposed to some sort of allergen, quite possibly mold. According to the California Department of Health Services about 50 million Americans are affected with asthma or allergy sensitivity, many of these cases are related to mold exposure.

Mold is a naturally occurring substance, but not in buildings. If you suspect mold call N.A.L and let us put your mind at rest.  Most leading lawsuits these days are from landlords and employers who have exposed their occupants to mold and have neglected the warning signs.