Molds are fungi that cause spoilt food and some diseases as well. Not all of them are dangerous; some even lend a hand in degrading food and other natural wastes. Other types of mold are also instrumental in making beverages, food and medicine. These fungi can be seen anywhere in the world and can virtually survive at some of the more extremes temperatures.

What Are Molds

Mold are microscopic fungi that grow on dead things which are organic by nature. They are so small that people can only see them when they are in their millions. Mold colonies can grow in a matter of hours. These colonies grow as a result of a combination of humidity and temperature. They reproduce in different ways, some reproduce asexually, while other reproduce sexually and yet others can reproduce both ways. Most molds need moisture in order to survive and to multiply along with the right food. These specialized fungi grow as an interconnected entity that has interconnections among themselves.

The Effect of Mold on Our Health

Some types of mold produce allergens which in turn can affect humans if the allergens are inhaled. These allergens may cause allergic reactions like a runny nose and watery eyes, along with sneezing. They may also cause an asthma attack or a skin rash on certain highly sensitive individuals. Molds can also produce a potentially deadly toxin called mycotoxins. This mold product can kill if ingested and it can also affect livestock and poultry through the feeds they consume and still reach humans in an entirely different level because the mycotoxins do not easily degrade or decompose.

Ina total reversal of a deadly role in humans, mold is used to produce penicillin, the antibiotic, to help in some human diseases and sickness. Alexander Fleming was the genius who discovered this medicine that helped save many human lives. To think that this antibiotic comes from a potentially deadly fungs th

Mold can also help humans with the production of some beverages and foods. The more common foods they help produce are several kinds of cheeses and also tempeh and quorn. Tempeh is very similar to tofu while quorn is an exclusive brand of food made from edible fungi. Beverages that mold help to produce are sake and some sort of black tea. In other countries, mold is also used in the production of sausages. Mold can also produce substances like gluconic acid and citric acid.

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Tip! While wearing rubber gloves and a breathing respirator mask (with organic vapor filters) from the local hardware or home improvement store, press the tape strip firmly (sticky side down) onto the visible mold growth or onto the surface being tested.

It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year - you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the bottom of the roof sheathing.

Worse yet - it turns out to be attic mold!

What does energy conservation have to do with mold in the attic? Well if you take a step back and consider how the house behaves as system, they are often directly related.

Building science experts have long been using the “house as a system” approach to diagnose the cause and origin of building defects.

For example, ice dams. These are often caused by warm air seeping into the attic which causes the snow and ice on the roof to melt. The water drains to the edge of the roof (which is colder than the rest of the roof because it is an overhang and not warmed by the attic), freezes and creates an ice dam. As this process is repeated daily, the ice dam grows larger. Eventually water is forced under a shingle where it can seep into the house.

Tip! During mold removal, always wear gloves to protect your hands. If possible, it’s a good idea to also protect your eyes with goggles and wear a disposable mask to avoid breathing in the spores.

Understanding how the house behaves as a system and the various causes and effects is necessary to diagnose most building related problems.

But how about that attic mold? How did it get there?

Mold requires chronic moisture to form and to thrive, so source(s) of moisture must be present. Possibly the moisture came from outdoors. The roof is newer and a quick check of the roof shows no obvious damage or leaks.

Possibly the moisture came from indoors. During the heating season, the interior of the house frequently has high moisture levels, especially bathrooms and kitchens. A quick check shows that all bathroom fans, kitchen vents, etc. are properly ducted completely outdoors and not into the attic. The amount of insulation looks good and the attic is well ventilated.

Don’t give up - you are almost there! Remember the house as a system? You know that warm, moist air is in the house, but how is it getting into the attic?

Tip! Contrary to popular belief, you can’t just get rid of mold by pouring bleach on it. Most chemicals have been proven to be ineffective against the spores over a period of time.

By air leaks! Air leaks are the leading source of energy loss in most houses, and a frequent source of chronic moisture that can cause attic mold.

Most homeowners are well aware of air leaks around windows and doors (especially old ones), but many overlook the numerous gaps leading directly into the attic!

Have a look around the attic and you may find large gaps around recessed lights and fans, holes where wires or pipes are installed, even large gaps around the chimney.

And don’t overlook the whole house fan and especially the folding attic stair - a big, uninsulated hole in your ceiling that is often overlooked!

These gaps can add up to a large hole that allows warm, moist air from the house to flow right into the cold attic. The warm moist air condenses on the cold roof sheathing, creating chronically damp conditions that can lead to attic mold growth. And the energy loss - it can be like leaving a window
open all winter long!

Seal these air leaks and you stop a significant moisture source. And just think of all the energy you can save and the cold drafts you can stop!

Mark D. Tyrol is a Professional Engineer specializing in cause and origin of construction defects. He developed several residential energy conservation products including an attic stair cover and a fireplace draftstopper. To learn more visit http://www.batticdoor.com

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It may sound crazy, but it is possible for your home or office to be making you sick. If you find that you are continually feeling ill while you are in your house or even when you are at your office, it could be an indicator of a serious problem. Many of us spend most of our day indoors and that can lead to serious health problems based on our location. Try stepping out doors when you feel ill inside and see if it makes a difference.
There are many ways that your home or your office can contribute to health problems. The leading culprit is a lack of proper ventilation. These types of environments are built to keep out noise and pollution. They are also sealed tightly to prevent cold air from escaping in the summer and cold air from getting in during the winter months. The types of paint in the home or office, cleaning supplies used, and the furniture located in the area can all contribute to health problems.
The air in any location should be circulated a minimum of ten times each day. If this isn0t happening then pollutants in the air tend to build up. You will […]

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