What is mold?
a PDF version of this document (115K). Molds have been part of the environment since humans have walked the planet. References to mold can be found in the Bible and scientists estimate molds evolved more than 400 million years ago. Molds are part of the diverse group of organisms called fungi, which include a wide range of species from tiny molds to large mushrooms. Fungi are part of nature’s recycling system and play a key role in breaking down organic materials such as plants, leaves, wood fiber and other natural materials. Fungi extract food from organic material, and they grow and reproduce by way of spores. Conservatively, more than 100,000 species of mold exist in the world and at least 1,000 species are common in the U.S. Molds and other fungi are estimated to comprise a quarter of the entire biomass on earth. As such, molds and mold spores are everywhere. The air we breathe is a virtual jungle of fungal spores and we regularly encounter mold spores as part of everyday life. Mol
Mold is a fungus from the same family that brings you yeast and mushrooms. Its been around for ages. There are thousand types in the environment we live in, most go largely unnoticed, causing no problems. Some cure illnesses (penicillin), some ripen Brie and Camembert cheese, and still others develop the flavor of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Others grow on our shower curtain, between bathroom tiles, underneath the sink, or lightly colonize on our cereals, breads, and fruit. To grow, molds need a moist, relatively warm environment. They also need a food source, which is where your carpets, ceilings, lint, drywall, wallpaper, leather, clothing, insulation come in, serving as good nutrient source for growth. Though it is everywhere, not all types and levels are detrimental to property or individuals. The EPA puts out an excellent publication for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold.
Hide Mold and/or mildew are microscopic fungi that are present virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Under the proper conditions, they can grow on a variety of organic materials, including wood products (1, 11). Mold growth requires ample moisture in the form of liquid or high humidity. While there is not universal agreement on the lower threshold of humidity required for mold growth, most literature indicates that the relative humidity needs to be at least 70% to 90% to support mold growth (15). Once growth occurs, molds can spread by production of spores. • How do molds get in the indoor environment, and how do they grow? Answer Hide Molds naturally grow in the outdoor environment. Mold spores may enter a house through open doorways, windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to people and animals, making clothing, shoes, bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors (13). Mold needs oxygen, water
Molds are fungi and occur naturally in the environment. Many different species of mold exist in New Jersey. Molds can be found almost anywhere and can grow on just about any material as long as conditions are favorable. For growth, molds need nutrients such as oxygen and moisture and a material to grow on. Molds in the environment help break down dead materials and convert it back into organic matter to be used again by living organisms. Molds grow by digesting and destroying the material they grow on. Molds grow in colonies. Visible mold growth may take on different forms and colors. Some molds may appear circular in growth while others may grow and spread to cover an area. Molds may appear brown or yellow in color or green and black. The appearance will depend on the species of mold present. Some common molds found indoors include species of Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Pennicillium and Alternaria. Molds reproduce by making spores. These spores become airborne and circulate in the air,
