It is now common practice to heavily insulate homes, wrap the exterior with a vapor barrier, and create less ventilation from the outside air. This can cause the potential for mold growth if there is a water event. With the wood, cellulose and other organic materials used in buildings, this now provides a fertile platform for mold.

Outdoors, mold plays a natural part in the environment by breaking down dead organic matter such as dead trees or fallen leaves. Mold reproduces by means of microscopic spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through the indoor and outdoor air. Mold begins to grow when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet or damp.

Mold growth can start as soon as 24-48 hours after a water event has occurred, therefore, it is important to dry water-damaged areas as soon as they occur. Mold will not grow without water or moisture. Mold can often be seen in the form of a discoloration or a stain. It appears as little black circles or thread-like white objects and is usually accompanied with a musty-type odor.

When molds are present is large quantities, called colonies, they become a health concern. Molds are divided into 3 basic groups based on health effects. Allergenic, Pathogenic and Toxic mold. Allergenic molds can cause allergic symptoms such as wheezing or a runny nose.

Pathogenic mold can cause suppressed immune systems, or serious health effects in a person who already has a decreased immune system.

Toxic mold can cause serious health effects in almost everyone. These effects may be short term irritations to even cancer.

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Frequently asked Questions about MOLD:

Q. What kind of mold is in my house/office? Is it Toxic mold?
A. Mold cannot be identified by sight and there are thousands of species of mold. The job of Cornell Environmental Solutions, is the first step, which is to collect samples and have the lab analyze them.

Q. How did the mold get in my house or building?
A. Mold is everywhere and is not uncommon to find in a home. It enters the house through openings or heating, and mold spores attach to people and animals, bringing mold indoors.

Q. Where does mold grow?
A. Mold will grow in places where leakage may have occurred. Many building materials can encourage mold growth once they become wet.

Q. How do you test for mold?
A. There are two typical methods for testing mold. One is Air Sampling, where air samples are taken inside the home/building and outside for comparison to detect a problem. The other is a Swab Sample of the visible mold or stain to determine the type of mold.

Q. Can I stop mold from growing in my home or building?
A. Look for visible signs of water damage or heavy moisture problems. Have these sources of water intrusion corrected and this will lessen the chance for mold growth. Mold activity can occur as soon as 24-48 hours after a water loss.

Q. How can I tell if there is mold in my home or building?
A. Some mold problems are obvious, you will see it. Other mold problems may be identified by “red flags” such as musty smell or visible water stains. Have
Cornell Environmental Solutions perform mold testing to determine if mold is present and to what degree.

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