Mold Remediation

Mold occurs in nature to break down dead leaves and other vegetation. Spores from mold are all around us, and they're not all outdoors. Mold will grow on virtually any substance when moisture is present and, unchecked; it can lead to serious property damage. The longer mold remains untreated, the further it is likely to spread and the greater the possibility of extensive mold damage.

Exposure to mold can create health problems. Although only some molds are toxic, all molds release spores which can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory issues. The effects are especially detrimental to children, older people and those with existing respiratory problems.

To Avoid Mold

• Indoor mold growth is controlled by controlling moisture so address moisture sources such as water leaks promptly
• Vent bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside and use air conditioners and dehumidifiers as necessary to reduce indoor humidity
• Clean and dry damp or wet areas and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Fast drying is essential
• Insulate cold surfaces such as windows and cold water pipes to reduce condensation
• Avoid installation of carpeting in areas with moisture problems such as damp concrete floors
  

Mold can sometimes get the best of us and become well established before it is even discovered. And mold can grow in places we seldom or never see. If mold is a problem in your home or business, please consider Solution People Inc for their knowledge and experience in safe and effective mold remediation.

Summary of Specific Mold Characteristics

Alternaria

Alternaria is one of the more common fungi found in nature. It is found growing indoors on a variety of substrates including wall boards, painted walls, etc.

Arthrinium

Arthrinium is a saprobe and is found on plants. It is rarely found growing indoors.

Ascospores

Ascospores are ubiquitous in nature and are commonly found in the outdoor environment. Some fungi that belong to the ascomycete family include the sexual forms of Penicillium/Aspergillus, Chaetomium, etc that may be frequently found growing on damp substrates.

Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium is commonly found in a variety of soils. Indoors, it is commonly found where moisture accumulates, especially bathrooms, and kitchens, on shower curtains, tile grout, windowsills, textiles, and liquid waste materials.

Basidiospores

Basidiospores are Saprophytes and plant pathogens and are commonly found in gardens, forests, and woodlands. They also include organisms that are the agent of "dryrot," and other fungi that cause white and brown wood rot, which may grow and destroy the structural wood of buildings.

Bipolaris/Dreschlera

Bipolaris and Dreschlera are usually found associated with plant debris, and soil. They are plant pathogens of numerous plants, particularly grasses. Bipolaris and Dreschlera can grow indoors on a variety of substrates.

Botrytis

Botrytis is commonly found in tropical and temperate climates growing on vegetative matter. They may be found indoors in conjugation with indoor plants, fruits and vegetables.

Chaetomium

Chaetomium is often found on materials containing cellulose such as Sheetrock paper, or other wet materials.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is a common outdoor mold. They are commonly found on dead plants, food, textiles, and a variety of other surfaces. Indoors, they can grow on a variety of substrates including textiles, wood, moist windowsills, etc. It can grow at 0oC and is associated with refrigerated foods.

Curvularia

Curvularia is found on plant materials and is considered a saprobe. Indoors, they can grow on a variety of substrates.

Epicoccum

Epicoccum is a saprophyte and considered a weekly parasitic secondary invader of plants. They tend to colonize continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and fabrics.

Fusarium

Fusarium requires very wet conditions and is frequently isolated from plants and grains. They colonize continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and water reservoirs for humidifiers and drip pans.

Memnoniella

Memnoniella can be found growing on a variety of cellulose-containing materials.

Nigrospora

Nigrospora is especially abundant in warm climates and is rarely found growing indoors.

Oidium/ Peronospora

Oidium and Peronospora are plant pathogens and are not found growing indoors.

Penicillium/ Aspergillus

Penicillium and Aspergillus are ubiquitous in environment. Aspergillus tends to colonize continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and fabrics. Penicillium is commonly found in house dusts, wallpaper, decaying fabrics, moist clipboards, etc.

Pithomyces/Ulocladium

Pithomyces is commonly found on grass and decaying plant material and are rarely found growing indoors. Ulocladium has a high water requirement and therefore colonizes continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and fabrics.

Rusts

Rusts are plant pathogens and only grow on host plants.

Smuts/Periconia/Myxomycetes

Smuts and Myxomycetes are parasitic plant pathogens that require a living host. Smuts do not usually grow indoors. Periconia are rarely found growing indoors. Myxomycetes are occasionally found indoors, but rarely growing.

Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys are commonly found indoors on wet materials containing cellulose, such as wallboard, jute, wicker, straw baskets, and other paper materials.

Stemphylium

Stemphylium is either parasitic or saprophytic and is rarely found growing indoors.

Torula

Torula can grow indoors on cellulose containing materials such as wallboard, jute, wicker, straw baskets, and other paper materials.