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! 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.

Both mold and mildew result from water invading a dark space. This space provides an environment where mold and mildew can grow.

Molds multiply by producing tiny spores. These spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When they land on a damp spot indoors, they begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive, such as wood, paper, carpet and foods.

When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur. It is thus important to dry water-damaged areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If they area remains undiscovered long enough for mold to grow, follow these steps to conquer the problem:

1. Treat the source of the water invasion. Getting rid of the mold and mildew without first solving the water problem is a waste of time, effort and money. So before you treat the problem, treat the root of the problem by fixing leaky plumbing or other sources of leaks.

   Tip! When tackling a large mold removal job, investing in a pair of disposable overalls will help contain the problem as you can simply throw the overalls away and not contaminate other garments in the washing machine.

2. Wash the mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet that become moldy, may have to be replaced.
3. Spray the area with OdorXit solution (2 ounces per gallon of water). Because OdorXit is a contact chemistry odor eliminator, it must come in direct contact with the source of the odor to eliminate it. So be sure to directly spray the mold spots and the spoors around the area.

Now that you have eliminated the mold growth, you can prevent it from returning. Ways to do this include reducing indoor humidity by venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside. You can also use air conditioners and de-humidifiers, and prevent condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roofs and floors) by adding insulation.

Another helpful method is to use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning. Finally, do not install carpeting in areas where you have a perpetual moisture problem.

If you follow the above steps and the moisture-prevention tips, mold and mildew will no longer be a problem for you.
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Martin R Meyer is the President of Listening Systems, Inc., and OdorXit is the registered trademark of Listening Systems. Their mission is to provide the highest quality, safest odor-control products at a reasonable price and to offer the best available advice on solving odor problems, even if you don’t use their products. Visit http://www.odorxit.com for a full list of OdorXit products as well as valuable information on solving a wide range of odor problems.

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