All types of fungi with filament like structure are known as Molds. They are microscopic bodies; you cannot see them with naked eye unless they grow massively on a plane to form mold colonies. Hyphae and mycelium are the main identification marks of molds. They generally reproduce by spore formation. Certain types of molds are termed as mildew, though in general, both the terms are used as synonyms.

Molds are indispensable for the ecosystem. While obtaining nutrition from dead organic matters, molds break complex hydrocarbons down into simpler forms. However, some molds are there which are toxic, for example, Strachybotrys. This is a toxic black mold that causes serious health issues in human beings and pets.

Where do molds grow?
Black molds, like any other living organism, need nutrition for growth. Dead organic matters containing hydrocarbons are the best food source for molds and mildews. Outdoors, they can grow on anywhere ranging from dead leaves, woods, residual of animal bodies to food and fruits. Indoors, black molds may grow on ply, wooden structure, carpet, drywall, basements, ceilings, walls, clothes, leather – the list goes endless. Simply put, anything that provides nutrition is the incubator to molds. Even molds can obtain nutrition from airborne dead cells and organic matters.

What are the conditions for mold growth?
Apart from food source, certain environmental factors play crucial role in mold growth. Moisture, temperature and light when reach the optimal level, the growth starts. Molds cannot grow without humidity; that is why damp wall is the heaven to black molds. It has been observed that temperature also helps them get the required amount of water in certain cases. Different species of molds grow in different temperature; there is no fixed range for all.

How do molds grow?
Mold spores are everywhere. When the number of spores increases heavily and the optimal condition is present, they germinate and growth starts. Molds then acquire nutrition from the adjacent food source and start growing mycelium. Mycelium is the main body part of molds. This is a multi-cellular filament like part found in fungi. With time, spore formation takes place within the outer cells of Hyphae. Grown-up spores are released in air and carried by dust particles, human bodies, insects, and air current.

Spores can stay inactive for years. They keep flowing from place to place and wait for optimal condition for growth. Whenever, they get suitable place, Hyphae formation starts.

How can black molds affect us?
Spores and molds are everywhere. When the amount goes beyond normal count, the problem starts on. Common problems led by black molds are breathing trouble, asthma, skin rash, irritation of throat and eyes, excessive sneezing etc. Situation worsens when you take mold infested food. Apart from spore count, toxic black molds produce mycotoxins that are harmful to human health.

When molds start growing inside household premises, the spore count automatically goes high if the room lacks sufficient airflow. Simultaneously, the amount of mycotoxins increases locally. Musty odor and spots on the contaminated surface are definite indication of mold growth. As soon as mold growth is detected, they should be removed with the help of mold cleaners. Otherwise the condition may take a bigger shape.

The best way to avoid exposure to black mold is cleaning mold from your surroundings. Natural cleaning products are good to remove molds and mildews.

Autor: Markus Skupeika

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