What is Mold?

Mold and Mildew - According to Ainsworth & Bisby's Dictionary of the Fungi (8th Ed, 1995); molds are micro-fungi which have well marked mycelia and spore mass. The word mold has been used to describe various groups of fungi. All molds and mildew are fungi, but not all fungi are molds and mildews. In water damaged buildings, the term molds and fungi are often used interchangeably.

Mildew - term popularly applied to a visible growth of fungi or bacteria on wet clothes, food, or other natural fiber or objects.
Scientifically, the term is restricted to members of either of two families of fungi that are parasitic on living plants, and to the plant disease they produce. The two families are Peronosporacae, comprising the downy mildews, and Erysiphacae.

Molds thrive on a great many organic substances and, provided with sufficient moisture, they rapidly disintigrate wood, paper, gypsum (behind drywall), and leather.

Fungi - Fungi are the class and group of organisms studied by microbiologists. Fungi in water damage buildings are large heterogeneous (mixing of two compounds to create a new compound) group of eukaryotic (animals and plants) organisms. They may be filamentous form or single cells, such as yeasts. Molds and mildews are also fungi, and so are yeasts and mushrooms. Fungi are plants that lack chlorophyll, and do not grow like normal plants. Most fungi are saprophytes (any plant that depends on dead plant or animal tissue for a source of nutrition and metabolic energy and feed off of dead and decaying material). Fungi will grow on wet building materials. Fungi are the primary cause of rotting, degredation and decomposition of organic materials. Fungi also release mycotoxins and other toxins, which when breathed, are known to cause health impairments, asthma and allergies and in some cases death in humans and animals.

How to prevent Mold growth in
your home...

WATER DAMAGE IN THE
HOME

The EPA says, "mold will not grow if the moisture problem in the building has been resolved."
It is important though that the structure and its components be dried in a timely manner.
Most mold growth starts the germination process about 72 hours after water has been introduced to a food source. Mold grows well with a lack of UV lighting (sun light), a lack of air movement, and a food source such as wood, or gypsum (the core of drywall). Our technicians are thorough in locating all wet areas of your home or business. Proper, quick and efficient drying methods are used to greatly reduce the chance for mold growth.
Call a professional flood restoration company. There may be many out there, but remember you need one that specializes in this area. Of course we would hope you will call us (Interior Restoration Specialists). Our professionals can determine the full extent of your water loss and prevent mold growth, and secondary damage, and assure complete quality restoration.

CAN YOU REMEDIATE MOLD?

The EPA offers information for this. If the total area affected is less than ten square feet. Some minimal guidelines do apply without creating a negative air environment. N-95 respirator, gloves and goggles should be used. For areas affected from 10 to 100 square feet (limited or full) and 100 square feet and up, guidelines suggest using professional judgement for personal protection, equipment to use, and proceedural protocol. Gloves, N-95 respirator or half-face or full-face respirator with HEPA filter are recommended for full. Limited or full contamination may may require the use of a certified (independenbt Environmental Hygenist).

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