MOLD 101

What is mold?
Mold is a group of microscopic fungi that thrives in moist conditions and feeds on cellulose – a component of wood, plant and vegetable fibers. This means mold grows on almost anything – food, carpeting, upholstery, clothing, drywall, plasterboard, plywood substitutes, ceiling tiles and other organic materials. Mold literally "eats away" the materials it covers, and has been known to cause significant structural damage, especially in wood-framed buildings.

Mold not only destroys materials, it can seriously impact your health. As mold feeds on cellulose, it reproduces making spores -- very small, lightweight microbes that travel through the air. Although a certain level of airborne mold spores are everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, elevated levels of mold spores have been shown to pose significant health risks to the elderly, infants, people with allergies and people with compromised immune systems. But even healthy adults can become quite ill if exposed to spores over extended periods – and The National Toxicology Program has associated two mold-produced toxins (aflatoxins and ochratoxin A) with liver and kidney tumors in animals and people.

How do I know if my property has mold?
Although you may visibly identify mold growing on walls, ceilings, wood frames and other porous structures, the best way to find mold is to follow your nose – a damp, musty smell indicates a problem. Although any cellulose materials exposed to moisture for more than 48 hours will almost inevitably develop mold.

More important than finding the mold is finding the source of the moisture exposure. If the source of the problem is not resolved, then the mold will just return no matter how thorough the remediation process.

I’ve found mold – now what do I do?
Removing mold yourself is a risky and most often unsuccessful effort. Bleach will not effectively remove mold, and might even cause more harm by making it appear as if the mold is removed when it is in fact still present – and impacting the air you breathe.

If you suspect your property has mold, do not entrust your safety to amateur companies. Give yourself peace-of-mind with a state-licensed, certified professional with years of experience and a commitment to success -- Synatech.

For more information call 1-877-796-2832 and start breathing easier today.