what is mold and why does it exist?
What exactly is Mold and where does it come from?
In order to understand how to deal with mold problems, it's best to start at the beginning so you know what you're dealing with.
Mold is part of the natural environment, part of the Kingdom Fungi - which makes it neither plant nor animal, but something in between.
Mold can multiply asexually - it produces spores, similar to plant seeds that can be carried through the air. It is found both outdoors and indoors, and actually, can not be eliminated completely from indoor air.
So what is the purpose of this organism?
Why does it even exist? Well, without it, we would quickly be overrun outside with leaves, bark, debris and other dead organic matter because mold's whole reason for being is to break down organic matter. Therefore, outside, mold is a friend of ours; however, some friends are better left outside and not invited in to our homes. Because when mold is inside, it doesn't stop breaking matter down. It will keep on working and reproducing unless we keep it under control.
What causes Mold to grow?
Four things are necessary for mold growth, and by removing any one of these four, you can control mold.
In order to understand how to deal with mold problems, it's best to start at the beginning so you know what you're dealing with.
Mold is part of the natural environment, part of the Kingdom Fungi - which makes it neither plant nor animal, but something in between.
Mold can multiply asexually - it produces spores, similar to plant seeds that can be carried through the air. It is found both outdoors and indoors, and actually, can not be eliminated completely from indoor air.
So what is the purpose of this organism?
Why does it even exist? Well, without it, we would quickly be overrun outside with leaves, bark, debris and other dead organic matter because mold's whole reason for being is to break down organic matter. Therefore, outside, mold is a friend of ours; however, some friends are better left outside and not invited in to our homes. Because when mold is inside, it doesn't stop breaking matter down. It will keep on working and reproducing unless we keep it under control.
What causes Mold to grow?
Four things are necessary for mold growth, and by removing any one of these four, you can control mold.
- Mold Spores - literally everywhere, ranging in size from 3-40 microns (compared to a human hair which is 100-150 microns). Trying to control mold through elimination of mold spores is not very feasible.
- Mold Food - Almost any substance that is organic can support mold growth. From the oil on your skin that is left behind when you touch a surface to soap residue left behind from cleaning to wood, paper and organic fibers. So, like trying to eliminate mold spores completely, trying to eliminate mold food is almost impossible
- Appropriate Temperature - Molds can grow in just about any temperature, so trying to control mold growth through temperature adjustment is not entirely effective either.
- Moisture - no mold can grow without water or moisture. Most molds require "considerable" moisture to thrive - equivalent to 70% humidity. So of the four requirements for mold to grow, moisture is the easiest to try to control.
