What are molds?

Molds are microscopic fungi, which include mushrooms and yeast. Fungi are highly adapted to grow and reproduce rapidly. Mold can be helpful or harmful, depending on where it grows
We run into mold on a daily basis, it can spoil food, speed up the process in a compost pile and it aided in the discovery of penicillin. That fuzzy black growth on wet windowsills is mold. The musty smell of papers or fabrics stored in a damp basement is due to the action of molds.
There are over 20,000 species of mold, 270 species of mold have been identified as living in Canadian homes.

What makes molds grow?

Molds will grow if we provide them with moisture and nutrients. High moisture levels can be the result of water leaking through floors, walls or roof; or from plumbing leaks; or humidity produced by the people living in the home, through daily activities like showering, washing / drying clothes or cooking. Water enters the building when there is a weakness or breach in the structure, such as foundation cracks, leaking roof or leaking windows. Moisture accumulates within the home when there is not enough ventilation to expel that moisture.

Why are molds a concern?

Damage to materials is one concern. Materials get stained or discolored, and over time they are ruined. Continued mold growth can be indicative of moisture conditions favorable for growth of fungi that cause wood rot and structural damage.
When molds are growing inside the home, there may be health concerns. Molds release chemicals and spores.
Health experts indicate that, depending on the type of mold present in a home, the amount and degree of exposure, and the health condition of the occupant, the health effects of mold can range from being insignificant to causing allergic reactions and illness.
Pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with health problems, such as respiratory disease or a weakened immune system, are more at risk when exposed to mold. Consult your family physician if you believe there is someone who may be at risk.

How can you tell if it is mold?

Discoloration

Discoloration is a sign of mold. However, all discoloration is not due to mold. Carpeting near baseboards, for example, can be stained by outdoor pollution entering the home. Smoke from burning candles or cigarettes may also cause stains or soot marks.
Mold may be any color: black, white, red, orange, yellow, blue or violet. Dab a drop of household bleach onto a suspected spot. If the stain loses its color or disappears, it may be mold. If there is no change, it probably isn’t mold.

Smell/Odor

Sometimes molds are hidden and cannot be seen. A musty or earthy smell often indicates the presence of molds. But a smell may not be present for all molds. Even when you don’t notice a smell, wet spots, dampness or evidence of a water leak are indications of moisture problems and mold may follow.

Is there a mold problem

Molds are always found in the air outside and in all buildings. They come into the home in many ways —through open windows or doors, on clothing, pets, food or furniture. The problem starts when mold grows inside the home.
The presence of mold is a sign that there is too much moisture in your home—a situation that must be corrected.