Mold is a fungus that grows in moist environments, both indoors and outdoors. It appears as a fuzzy or dusty growth, often in various colors like white, orange, green, or black. Mold reproduces by releasing tiny, microscopic spores, which are its primary means of spread. These spores are easily carried through the air, meaning mold can be airborne.
How Mold Spores Travel
Mold spores are incredibly small and lightweight, allowing them to travel easily through air currents. Mature mold colonies release thousands, or even millions, of these spores into the environment. Disturbing mold growth, such as during cleaning, can also release large quantities of spores into the air. Some spores are adapted for wind dispersal and can remain airborne for extended periods.
Spores are naturally present in both indoor and outdoor air environments. Outdoors, wind carries them over long distances. Indoors, sources like disturbed mold, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems circulate these microscopic particles throughout a building. Air currents within a home can pick up and distribute spores that have settled on surfaces.
Health Impacts of Airborne Mold
Inhaling airborne mold spores can lead to various health effects, particularly for sensitive individuals. Common symptoms include allergic reactions such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. Exposure can also irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. For individuals with asthma, airborne mold spores can trigger or worsen asthma attacks, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing.
People with pre-existing respiratory illnesses, compromised immune systems, or chronic lung diseases are more sensitive to mold exposure. While mold spores are present in the air daily, problems arise when concentrations become elevated due to indoor mold growth. The severity of symptoms varies widely among individuals, as the same amount of mold may affect one person but not another.
Identifying Airborne Mold
While visible mold growth indicates a problem, airborne mold spores are too small to be seen without magnification. Identifying airborne mold therefore requires specialized testing. Professional methods include air sampling, where air is collected and analyzed for the presence and concentration of mold spores.
Techniques like spore traps capture airborne particles, which are then examined under a microscope to identify mold types and count spores. Another method, viable sampling, collects spores still capable of growing, allowing for cultivation and identification of specific mold species. These tests help determine the extent of airborne contamination and the types of mold present. Professional assessment is essential for accurate identification and to guide effective remediation strategies, as DIY detection methods are often insufficient.
Controlling Airborne Mold
Controlling airborne mold involves addressing conditions that allow mold to grow and preventing spores from becoming airborne. Since mold requires moisture, fixing leaks promptly and ensuring proper ventilation are important steps. Using dehumidifiers helps maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%, which discourages mold growth. Maintaining cleanliness and ensuring good airflow also contribute to a less hospitable environment for mold.
For small areas of visible mold growth, typically less than 10 square feet, homeowners can perform cleanup themselves. This involves wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling spores. For larger or hidden infestations, professional mold remediation services are necessary. These specialists have the equipment and expertise to safely contain and remove mold, preventing further release of airborne spores.