Mold is a type of fungus that grows on plants and fibers as is in most cases associated with damp musty locations such as bathroom, basements, attics or utility rooms. We know that we have identified through research more than 200,000 types of mold that comes in various shapes, colors and textures. Mold produces spores which travel through the air which typically settle and start to grow in moist places. Mold and fungi are everywhere. Fungi can be found in grassy fields, forests, plantations, farms, and especially homes.
Needless to say, mold can cause a problem in our environment, indoors and outdoors. In addition to its unsightly appearance, mold can be a hazard to the health of individuals. Mold and mildew can be allergen and anyone who suffer from allergies or asthma will have trouble breathing in areas with mold infestation.
The elderly, pregnant women, children and those with auto immune conditions are at the greatest risk. Though not every kind of mold is harmful, the fact remains that there still are molds – such as certain species of black molds – that are hazardous and can cause mild to severe respiratory and skin ailments, not to mention allergic reactions.
Usually the more intense the mold infestation is the higher the spore count. We often see the lung affected the worse which you may have severe shortness of breath, wheezing which can lead to asthma and other life threating medical conditions. One of the most important things you can do it to take notes of your symptoms so you can share this information with your health care provider. A common mistake is that these symptoms are often similar to general cold symptoms which you get treated they go away and return with any rhyme or reason. Your Doctor can perform a few simple tests that can help distinguish mold allergy from other types and start you on a treatment regimen.
One of the most important aspects for you to consider should you have symptoms that do not improve you should consider having your property examined by an industrial hygienist or certified mold tester. They will visit your property and do a complete investigation and surveillance for mold and milder. They will take various air samples which will be sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. This will confirm if you have mold growing in your property. They will list the types of mold with the spore count. Once the report is back the industrial hygienist will make recommendation on what action is necessary to remove the toxic mold and restore y our indoor air quality to safe levels.
Mold testing is really the piece of information that links the physical assessment, your clinical symptoms and the types of mold with the spore count. Once you have all this information you are able to make an educated decision on what is needed to restore your indoor air quality. Mold testing when done by a certified professional will give you peace of mind that you are looking out for your family’s best interest.