What is mold? Mold is a microscopic living organism that’s neither a plant nor animal. It belongs to the fungi family. Penicillin, which was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, came from Penicillum mold. Because molds are minute airborne organisms, it is impossible for the naked eye to see them when they start to infest anything. When they have already developed into a kind of colony, then they become visible.

Mold is commonly associated with spoiled food, especially bread where a whitish, greenish, bluish, or even dark spots appear on it. When this happens, it means that the food has already expired and is unfit for human consumption. But everyday airborne molds can cause health problems to your family members. People think that because they cannot see any visible mold around the house, then what is mold to do with any respiratory problem that their kid or kids might be having? But what you cannot see can harm you and your family a lot.

Where Does Mold Grow?

Molds are airborne spores, a structure for reproduction among microorganisms that make them survive and be dispersed for a longer time in unfavorable conditions. When these spores are dispersed and they land on favorable surfaces, then you can see molds developing. They spread quickly and become visible where there is moisture, nutrient and warmth.

• Moisture. Molds proliferate in areas with moisture problem either indoor or outdoor. The common areas that are suitable for molds to thrive in are the bathroom, kitchen, attic, basement or places that are damp and musty. Parts of the house where dripping or leaking occurred can be good places for molds to start a colony. Check areas such as the roofs, pipes, or walls, or even the garden area where house plants are over-watered; there might be molds thriving and it’s better to nip them at the source before they multiply.
• Nutrients. Molds need food aside from moisture. Since molds are decomposers, they get nutrients from wood, paper, wallboards or any material made from wood. Molds can digest synthetic materials like adhesives, pastes, and paints. Fabrics are also good sources of nutrients including clothes, curtains, carpets and upholstery. The dust and dirt that accumulate on the surfaces of glass, concrete and metallic materials can serve as food for molds, too.
• Warm Temperature. A temperature range that is most favorable for molds to grow is between 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (4.44 to 37.77 Celsius). Molds can reproduce in as short as 48 hours in areas that are not well-ventilated and air is humid.

Because of the size of mold spores, they can easily travel and be carried by sticking to the people’s clothes, bags, shoes, and skin and even your pet’s fur. Sometimes they can enter through the open doors and windows. The humid air from heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems can just be a perfect place for molds to thrive undetected. If all three conditions (moisture, nutrients and warmth ) are present in your homes, then there is 100% possibility that you will be encountering mold problems sooner or later. It may not only be mold-infestation but hazards that can also compromise your family’s health and well-being.

Why Is Mold Harmful to Your Health?

Molds are considered allergens and can be toxic, too. Kids and even adults that are low-resistant to allergens can have frequent nasal congestion and irritations in the throat and eyes. Mucous membranes can also be irritated causing sneezing and coughing including allergic rhinitis. Asthmatic attacks and difficulty of breathing can be triggered by these allergens. Molds can also cause skin irritations and itching. According to some studies on mold toxins, people with low immunity or suppressed-immune patients can adversely be affected by molds. The toxins from molds in the house can result to pulmonary hemorrhage, fatigue, memory loss, depressive mood, convulsion attacks and can also trigger certain cancers.

Even molds have usefulness in the circle of life. Our immune system needs harmful and useful micro-organisms to tell our body if it’s sick or well. Molds, however, can only be controlled. It cannot be eliminated totally. You can reduce the chances of molds from thriving by making sure that there are no wet or damp areas in your homes. You can also use air purifiers and effective mold control products. Constant cleaning and dusting can help a lot and it’s the cheapest option in controlling molds.