Mold Spores

Mold spores are tinier than even pollen grains, invisible to the naked eye, float through the air, and are capable of causing serious health problems if they are allowed to produce and grow uninhibited.  Mold spores are how mold reproduces.  Mold comes in all colors, including yellow, green, white, and black to name a few.  All molds have one thing in common however and that it that all molds need the presence of moisture or water to flourish.

Molds are found both outside and inside the home.  In order to grow, mold requires warmth, moisture or water, oxygen, and food.  Outdoors, mold can be found on rotting logs, decaying vegetation, compost piles, and on some plants.  Unfortunately, since the spores of mold can travel on air, mold is often found inside the home as well.

An indoor environment that isn’t cleaned and monitored regularly for mold can easily enable mold growth.  Inside the home, mold can most often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, refrigerators, closets, furniture, trashcans, dark pantries, and inside walls and along baseboards.

Why is an understanding of mold spores important?  It has been reported that there are millions of people suffering from allergies related to mold.  These spores are so tiny that the nose can’t even filter all of them out effectively.  Mild allergy symptoms might include, but aren’t limited to, coughing, runny nose, dizziness, red or watery eyes, or sneezing.  More severe allergic reactions might manifest themselves as difficulty breathing (similar to an asthma attack), bleeding lungs, heart problems, or serious mental disabilities.  Brain damage and compromised immune systems can result if someone is unknowingly and consistently exposed to mold over a long period of time.

Mold reproduces throughout the year, but allergic reactions to the spores are seen more often during the spring, summer, and fall months.  Warmer climates will see more incidences of allergies as a result of mold given that mold loves humidity and warmth combined.

The spores that cause mold are tiny and invisible to the naked eye, so how do we combat them and keep our chances of an allergy attack or infestion at bay?  It is crucial to keep a clean and dry home in order to effectively fight mold.  Bleach and water are the perfect disinfectant and cleaner for your home.  Use a spray bottle with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water on sinks, counter tops, showers, tile, tubs, window frames and sills, floors, and appliances.

Your basement should be kept as dry as possible.  An air purifier and/or dehumidifier in your basement will go a long way toward controlling the moisture level and inhibiting mold growth.  Water leaks or damage should be cleaned immediately, preferably within 24 horus.  During the warmer months, keep an air conditioner running regularly to help keep the humidity down inside the home.

Mold spores are going to keep reproducing, floating through the air and invading our homes.  However, we can fight back by cleaning our homes and appliances regularly and by maintaining a dry (less humid) indoor environment.  Doing these simple things can help to eliminate possible allergic reactions to mold and inhibit mold growth in our homes.