FAQ'S

What is mold?

Mold belongs to the Kingdom Fungi. It is a microscopic organism that feeds on organic material. There are over 100,000 scientifically identified species of mold and more are being discovered daily. We come in contact with mold everyday, it is found everywhere both indoors and outdoors.

Mold is made of linear chains of cells called hyphae. They branch and intertwine to form the fungus body known as the mycelium. To reproduce, the mold releases tiny spores. The spores are carried by air currents where they look for a place to land and start growing. Molds need 3 things to flourish; Water, Food, and a Place to grow. They can grow in a wide range of temperatures and habitats. When environment becomes dry, mold survives by going dormant or produces spores resistant to drying out. 

Molds enter the indoors from doorways, windows, heating ducts and air conditioning systems. They are tenacious unwelcome house guest. Fungi are heterotrophs. They absorb food through cell walls. Mold produces enzymes to breakdown cellulose for this absorption. Some species of mold produce highly toxic substances called mycotoxins. Molds produce mycotoxins to eliminate competition  for food and water. Humans aren't the target of molds, but unfortunately we get in their way.

If I have mold should I be concerned?

According to the California Department of Health Services, YES! Mold can cause serious health problems. It can also cause extensive damage to buildings, clothing, furniture, carpet, pictures and books.

How can I tell if I have mold?

A) See it- Discoloration or fuzzy appearance especially where there has been water damage.

B) Smell it- Moldy or musty odors are great indications.

C) Water damage- If you've had recent water damage and the moisture wasn't dried within 24 hours you may have a mold problem. Some sources of moisture are:

    1. Flooding

    2. Roof  leaks

    3. Sprinklers hitting the wall or causing flooding under the house.

    4.Plumming leaks

    5. Sink or toilet overflow.

    6. High water table causing moisture in the basement.

    7. High humidity in crawl spaces or basements.

    8. Steam from showers or cooking.

    9. Humidifier

    10. Dryer exhaust vented into the house.

D) Illness- If you or your family have any of the following symptoms, especially if they seem better when you leave the building, you could have hidden mold:

    1. Loss of memory

    2. Nosebleeds

    3. Respiratory problems

    4. Headaches

    5. Skin irritation

    6. Coughing

    7. Sore throat

    8. Nasal congestion

    9. Aches, Pains or Fever

If your pets are experiencing similar health problems, this may also be a sign of mold in your home.

Large amounts of mold can be hidden under carpets, inside walls, in attics or crawl spaces. Often a small patch on a wall indicates a much larger problem inside the wall.

How much is bad?

The EPA has no set standards for the amount of mold exposure which is unhealthy. The reason it is so hard to set standards is mold affects different people in different ways. Some of the factors the contribute to health problems are:

1) Types of mold- Some produce mycotoxins which are extremely dangerous.

2) Amount of exposure- The New York City Department of Health has set standards which are now being used in over 30 cities.                                         

    Level 1- Small area, 10 sq feet or less (approximately 3x3 foot area)

    Level 2- Medium size area, 10 sq feet - 30 sq feet (an area smaller than 6x6 feet)

    Level 3- Large area, 30 sq feet - 100sq feet (an area less than 10x10 feet)

    Level 4- Extensive contamination- More than 100 sq feet

3) Genetic predisposition

4) Age- Children and the elderly are more susceptible.

5) State of health- People with respiratory problems, pregnant women or those with weak immune systems.

6) Concurrent exposure

Many clean houses contain mold, but the condition is unsanitary and should be remediated immediately.

Can cleanup be hazardous?

YES! During remediation the amount of spores in the air increases by 10 times to 1000 times. A professional remediation by Pacific Mold Pros should be used for cleanup. We use equipment not only to protect our remediators, but to keep spores from spreading to the rest of the building. Health problems associated with remediation include- Organic dust toxic syndrome which can occur from one heavy exposure causing flu like symptoms. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis comes from repeat exposure, but can cause permanent lung damage.

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