The term “Black Mold” grabs attention and occasionally appears in the headlines associated with parental fears over the air quality issues confronting a school building or place of business. I am reminded of a certain movie that debuted in the 1970’s called “Jaws”. Almost overnight the public perception of sharks turned to fear and anxiety and as a result, sharks became one of the most feared animals on the planet. The truth is most of us survive our annual family vacations to the coast and return without incident. With mold, the truth is we all encounter many types of mold on a daily basis. Occasionally there are shark attacks and we are reminded of the realities presented in the natural world. Occasionally there are also extreme mold infestations that condemn structures and make them uninhabitable. Both of these realities require a pragmatic response and understanding of our natural world and how we should respond.
When Conditions are Right
Certain conditions increase the odds of sharks inhabiting the waters we share with them: weather cycles, temperature, time of day and year and food sources. Mold actually responds to the same conditions. Extremely hot, humid weather conditions provide perfect opportunities for mold spores to establish themselves and begin growth. Winter temperatures may be less favorable and molds go dormant only to reappear when moisture and humidity levels are more favorable. Mold growth can begin in as little as 24-48 hours. In the United States, there are at least 1000 different varieties of known mold species. For all that is known there are still species of fungi that have not yet been classified and fully studied. We do know a lot about the conditions necessary for mold to grow:
- Relative humidity >70%
- Mold spores (found indoors and outdoors)
- Temperature (40-100 degrees)
- Available nutrients (fabrics, paper, wood products, paints, adhesives, vinyls) found in structures
Not All are the Same
Of all the known types of mold, only a few hundred species find conditions favorable enough for growth in buildings compromised by moisture problems and water intrusion. Mold can also present itself in a variety of colors and shapes, so not every mold issue looks the same way. Mold and mold exposure also effects people differently, if someone suspects their health may be negatively impacted by mold exposure they should always consult with their physician and share the symptoms. Possible symptoms may include but are not limited too:
- Irritation of eyes, nose or throat/Sneezing
- Headaches/Dizziness/Nausea
- Respiratory issues/Sinus congestion
- Skin irritations
- Shortness of breath/coughing
A few years ago an elementary school was closed for remediation following numerous complaints by students and staff. Roof leaks were identified as sources of water intrusion, repairs were made and the building was reopened. Initial investigations are not always definitive as to source or degree of contamination. A large campus or structure has a lot of square footage to cover and evaluate. Also, the larger the structure the longer it may take for a problem to present itself. Those in one part of a building may not have the exposure as those closer to the source. If a high percentage of people who share the same space, room or floor have similar symptoms and concerns, it is possible an isolated mold exposure could be effecting them.
In the Case of Black Mold
“Toxic” and “Black mold” are commonly used terms by media sources to bring public awareness to mold cases highlighted in the news. Actually, neither term is an identified species of mold. Stachybotrys Chartarum is a known species of mold that produces mycotoxins. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released by certain species of mold and are responsible for the unpleasant, musty, moldy odors that challenge our air quality. These odors warrant further investigation to be confident mold is not growing in a structure. Only a professional could definitively identify the species of a given mold or fungi. Mold growth of any type indoors is a sign of a water intrusion or moisture problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. Left unchecked, mold can spread throughout a structure and potentially effect air quality and structural integrity.
Not all sharks are “man eaters”, but if I see one, I’m getting out of the water! Not all molds are “toxic” or “black molds” but rather signs of greater problems with moisture or unwanted water intrusion. Address those issues immediately and stop mold before it has a chance to start.
