On one hand, molds are a very necessary part of our ecosystem. They contribute to biological decay and return basic nutrients to the earth. On the other hand, high mold levels indoors can have a profoundly negative effect on the building’s occupants.
There are many types of mold, but none of them will grow without water or moisture. Experts agree that 55-60% humidity is the threshold above which mold growth can be a problem. Even in dry, desert climates mold can be a problem indoors.
Our obsession with energy conservation has caused many of the mold problems today. New homes are built to be tight with thicker windows and doors. When our homes are sealed that tightly, mold can and often does become a problem.
Cleaning up mold can be expensive. According to the Insurance Information Institute, an industry sponsored research group, the average claim last year was about $35,000. The number of mold claims has grown exponentially and many insurance companies have denied claims and created limits on how much they will pay for a mold claim.
Indoor mold can be one of the most insidious, potentially devastating environmental risks we face. Mold can wreak havoc with every part of your body, and your mind as well. Many symptoms of ill-health can result from ongoing exposure to high levels of harmful molds growing indoors. Symptoms usually develop gradually and are often vague, non-specific, and difficult to diagnose.
Parts of the body that can be adversely affected by mold exposure:
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Vascular system (increased fragility, hemorrhaging)
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Digestive system (vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal hemorage, liver
effects, anorexia)
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Respiratory system (respiratory distress, bleeding from lungs)
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Nervous system (tremors, depression, headache)
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Cutaneous system rash, burning sensation, photosensitization)
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Urinary system (nephrotoxicity)
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Reproductive system (infertility, changes in reproductive cycles)
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Immune system (changes or suppression, many mycotoxins)
The EPA considers the size of the problem as the main factor in whether a property owner should do the clean-up themselves. If an area of active mold growth is greater than 10 square feet, it may be worth having a professional remediator inspect your home. You can read the EPA guide: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings at epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html to learn more.
The EPA’s guidelines encourage you to act quickly. In most cases, mold won’t grow if the areas infiltrated with moisture are cleaned up within 24-48 hours.
Refer to our How Property Owners Can Effectively Clean Up Mold section to learn more .