Where is mold most likely to grow

What is mold though? How does it grow and why? What happens to the surfaces mold grows on? When does this nuisance turn into a hazard? Mold grows on any dead organic matter in nature but is only visible to the human eye when it forms a large colony, called a mycelium.

Unlike colonies of ants or termites, a mycelium is not made up of multiple individual organisms. It instead consists of an interconnected network of hyphae, all part of the same organism.

Mold reproduces via the production of small spores. These spores can be compared to the seeds of a plant, though they are much smaller than seeds or even pollen grains. Their small size makes them easy to disperse via wind and water. They can also travel long distances by clinging on to clothing or fur.

They will only start to grow once they land in an environment with suitable water, food, temperature, and oxygen. Mold grows on the materials it can digest. These substances are broken down into simple, easy to absorb substances by the secretion of digestive enzymes.

Mold requires water, food, and oxygen to grow. There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow. Mold spores thrive in environments that are moist and warm, so when they land on a damp spot, they begin to grow.

Molds can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As they grow, they may digest the material they are growing on. Nobody knows how many kinds of mold there are, but experts estimate that there may be , or more different types. Some are more likely than others to appear in the home.

Alternaria : This occurs in damp places indoors, such as showers or under leaky sinks. Aspergillus : This often grows indoors, on dust, powdery food items, and building materials, such as drywall.

Cladosporium : This can grow in either cool or warm areas. It tends to appear on fabrics and wood surfaces. Penicillium : This tends to grow on materials with water damage. It often has a blue or green appearance. Molds take a variety of forms and textures. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green and often look like discoloration or stain to a surface. They can also have a velvety, fuzzy, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mold and where it is growing.

Mold spores are everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, but they are not visible to the naked eye. Through the air : They can enter through open windows, doorways, and ventilation systems.

Mold will only flourish if spores land somewhere that has the ideal conditions for growing, such as moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. If the environment is unsuitable for the spores, they do not usually develop or cause a problem. Mold growth is usually visible and often produces a musty odor. It can damage household items, and it can also have an impact on health. Mold can pose a health problem , especially for people with an allergy, an existing respiratory problem, or a weakened immune system.

As mold grows, spores, cells, fragments, and unstable organic compounds can enter the air. They can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins.

Some of these can be toxic, especially to individuals who have a sensitivity to them. Also, dampness encourages materials to break down, increasing the volume of particles, or dust, in the air. These particles can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat, especially in a person who already has a breathing problem, asthma , or a chronic lung condition.

Mold allergies can produce similar symptoms to other allergies, such as hay fever , or seasonal allergy. In these, too, airborne substances can affect the upper respiratory tract. People with a mold allergy as well as asthma have a higher chance of having an asthma attack when there is mold in the environment. A higher volume of dust can increase the risk of dust mites, which can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

Some types of mold, such as Aspergillus , can cause a serious health problem, known as aspergillosis , in some people. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness. Minus Related Pages. How common is mold in buildings? How do molds get in the indoor environment and how do they grow? How do you know if you have a mold problem? Large mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled. How do molds affect people?

Who is most at risk for health problems associated with exposure to mold? How do you keep mold out of buildings and homes? Inside your home you can control mold growth by: Controlling humidity levels; Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes; Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding; Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.

Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months. Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

How do you get the molds out of buildings, including homes, schools, and places of employment? Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold: Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes. Open windows and doors to provide fresh air. Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear. Small areas such as a shower, or an area the size of a door can often be cleaned by residents, but larger areas might need more professional help. Are there any circumstances where people should vacate a home or other building because of mold?

I found mold growing in my home; how do I test the mold? A qualified environmental lab took samples of the mold in my home and gave me the results.

Can CDC interpret these results? Should I be concerned about a serious health risk to me and my family? There is always a little mold everywhere — in the air and on many surfaces.