Mold is a type of fungus found in diverse environments, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic organisms play a role in nature by breaking down organic matter. While mold spores are always present in the air, they require specific conditions to actively grow and form visible colonies. Mold thrives particularly well in damp, warm environments with available food sources like wood, paper, or fabric.
Mold’s Survival in Dry Conditions
When moisture is removed, mold does not truly perish; instead, it enters a dormant state. While active growth ceases, its spores remain viable and can survive for extended periods without water. Mold spores are remarkably resilient and can persist in dry conditions for months or even years, acting as a survival mechanism. These dormant spores essentially “hibernate,” waiting for moisture to reactivate and resume growth. This resilience underscores why simply drying out an area with mold is not a complete solution, as the mold can quickly reactivate once water becomes available again.
Risks from Inactive Mold
Even when mold is inactive, it can still pose health concerns. Dormant mold spores, along with fragments of dead mold, can become airborne and trigger allergic reactions or irritation. Exposure to these airborne particles can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, or skin rashes. Some types of mold can also produce mycotoxins, which may remain present even after the mold is no longer actively growing. For individuals with asthma or compromised immune systems, exposure to these inactive spores can lead to more severe respiratory issues or infections.
Controlling Mold Growth
Preventing mold growth involves controlling moisture within indoor spaces. Promptly fixing any leaks in roofs, pipes, or windows is important, as mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Ensuring adequate ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, helps remove humid air, especially when using exhaust fans during showering or cooking. Maintaining indoor humidity levels below 60 percent, ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent, can also inhibit mold growth. Dehumidifiers can be effective in damp areas like basements to help keep humidity within a healthy range.
Safe Removal of Mold
When addressing mold, personal protective equipment is important to minimize exposure to spores. This includes an N95 respirator mask, sealed goggles, and long rubber gloves. For small areas of mold, such as less than 10 square feet, cleaning can be done with household products like a mixture of water and detergent. After scrubbing the mold from hard surfaces, it is important to thoroughly dry the cleaned area to prevent recurrence. If mold covers a large area, persists despite cleaning efforts, or is linked to contaminated water, professional mold remediation services may be necessary.