Mold and Mildew

Mildew is a living organism that grows with warmth, humidity, and nutrients. Mildew can be found on many different surfaces. It is a thin, black, or sometimes white, growth produced by mold.

Molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. Outdoors molds play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Molds belong to the kingdom Fungi, and unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plant materials, using plant and other organic materials for good. Without molds, our environment would be overwhelmed with large amounts of dead plant matter.

Molds produce time spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment.

Moisture control is the key to mold control. Molds need both food and water to survive; since molds can direst most things, water is the factor that limits mold growth. Common site for indoor mold growth include bathroom tile, on shower curtains, basement walls, areas around windows were moisture condenses, and near leaky water fountains or sinks. Uncontrolled humidity can also be a source of moisture leading to mold growth, particularly in hot, humid climates. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed, but may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily.

Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce toxins and /or irritants. Potential heal concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.

---Mason Chemical Company