Fungi is one of the Five Kingdoms of living matter on earth. It is a group of microorganisms that includes molds, yeasts and mushrooms. Molds are microscopic fungi that produce spores and in some cases chemicals as they live and grow.
Fungal and mold spores are everywhere in the environment. In fact, all buildings have a background level of spores. However, spores do not colonize and grow into visible mold unless they have moisture. Within a home or building, moisture can be in the form of excessive humidity (e.g., in a bathroom or laundry room), condensation (e.g., resulting from ‘cold spots’ due to poor insulation around windows), or seeping water (e.g., from a leaky roof or pipe).
Rain storms, burst pipes and sewer backups are also common causes of water damage and moisture. In a home that isn’t well ventilated, the moisture will persist and can lead to mold growth.
How do you know if you have mold? In many cases, mold is visible to the naked eye. Mold comes in many colours, shapes and sizes. Mold can be black, white, orange, yellow – just about any colour. It may appear fuzzy or as flat round spots. It may be wet and shiny or may appear dry and powdery.
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| Newer homes and buildings are not immune from moisture; in fact, they are often more prone to mold. Many experts believe that the energy-efficient building techniques (e.g., vapour barriers, exterior sheathing) that have become standard in the last few decades have resulted in more airtight, less ventilated homes that trap moisture inside, leading to mold growth. |
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But you can’t always see the mold in your house – at least not at first. Because water damage often occurs and pools in wall cavities or under flooring, the mold growing inside your home may not be visible. You may, however, be able to smell it. In many cases, molds emit an earthy smell characteristic of ‘musty’ basements. If you smell it but can’t see it, you may have mold growing under carpets, behind walls, above ceiling tiles or in the HVAC system.
When checking for mold, look for signs of water damage. Wet spots, staining, dampness or other evidence of water leaks or damage may be a precursor to mold growth. For a comprehensive guide to surveying your home or business for mold, consult www.cmhc.ca.
If you suspect mold in your home, cottage or RV, mold test kits are available to help you test air quality and detect mold. For more information on hcheck’s innovative, do-it-yourself sampling kit please visit http://www.hchek.com.