Molds are organisms which are neither plant nor animal; they are part of the fungus kingdom. When mold spores are present in abnormally high quantities, they present a hazard to humans, such as allergies, fungal infections, mycotoxin production and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Mold can begin growing within 24 - 48 hours. However, before mold can grow in your home, the following conditions need to be present:
- Mold spores
- Food source (such as wood, drywall or cotton)
- Darkness
- Warmth
- Oxygen
- Moisture - Moisture is the key cause of mold growth in homes
Causes of Moisture in Your Home:
- Water at your home's foundation
- Basement flooding
- Leaking Pipes
- Roof Leaks
- Poor ventilation
- Condensation
- Wet clothing
Basements often contain higher amounts of moisture or humidity than other rooms because they are not well ventilated and are usually colder, which causes condensation. Most water leaks end up running into the basement, often going unnoticed, and mold growth is not detected until well after it has set in. Mold has a pungent smell, so the first indication of mold in your basement will probably be the strange order you might notice.
Some companies may try to sell you a water control system that collects and pumps water from your basement, but BEWARE!
If you have a system installed that redirects water after it has entered your home, then your home is not waterproof! And if your home is not truly waterproof, then you still run the health risks associated with mold. Diverting water on the inside of your home still allows moisture to enter your home, thus allowing mold, mildew and efflorescence to occur.