What is Mold, Mildew, and Fungus?

Molds are but one type of fungi that exist in nearly every location across the globe. The purpose of fungi is to break down organic material and recycle them for future use by plants and animals. The family of fungi includes mildews, yeasts, large mushrooms, and mold. Fungi require organic materials in order to form and expand.

Many people believe mildew is somehow different from mold. Mildew is mold. The term mildew is typically used to refer to the powdery gray, green, or white growth found on plants, clothing, furniture, or any type of cellulous product. There are numerous fungi that fall under the general description of a powdery mildew.

How Does Mold Grow?

When damp conditions are present, mold is able to grow on such diverse materials as wood, carpet, insulation, cloth, and all types of food. Mold thrives in damp, moist, or wet surroundings, frequently in areas where humans exist. Molds typically reproduce through their spores that are released into the air and land on moist, organic materials. The spores then germinate and begin expanding out in elaborate networks. The factors that determine the rate of this growth include amount of moisture, availability and type of food or organic material, temperature, and many others.

What is “Black Mold” or "Toxic Mold"?

The news media often refer to “black mold” or “toxic black mold.” Some molds produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. The health effects of breathing mycotoxins are not well understood and are currently under study. The terms "Black Toxic Mold are usually associated with Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage. Not all molds that appear to be black are Stachybotrys. The known health effects from exposure to Stachybotrys are similar to other common molds, but have been inconclusively associated with more severe health effects in some people.

Mold Exposure

Humans often come in contact with molds in moist areas in or around their homes or when mold spores become airborne. These airborne mold spores can come into contact with humans either through the skin, lungs, or when ingested.

Mold can adversely affect the health of humans. The effect on humans will depend on the type of mold involved, the metabolic byproduct of the mold, how much contact there is and the length of exposure, as well as the level of susceptibility or sensitivity of the human victim. This last factor is important for children, elderly, and those who already suffer from any type of immune deficiency or chronic health problem. These people can be affected much more easily than ordinary, healthy adults. The ill effects of molds generally break down into 4 categories that include MOLD ALLERGIES, MOLD INFECTIONS, MOLD EXPOSURE, and MOLD TOXICITIES.

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