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10204 Brunswick Ave
Silver Springs, MD 20902
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mold

WHAT IS MOLD?
Molds are fungi that grow everywhere - indoor as well as outdoor. Molds produce microscopic cells called "spores" which are very tiny and spread easily through the air. These spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions, such as humid and warm enclosed areas, in buildings and homes. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more.

Household molds come in a rainbow of colors, including red, pink, white, green, bluish-green, brown and black. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Mucor. The only toxic molds found in homes are two species of black mold, Stachybotrys and Memnoniella. Of the two, Stachybotrys is the most common.

WHERE DOES MOLD GROW?
Mold will grow in places where leakage may have occurred such as in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or areas that have recently been flooded. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products (wallpaper), cardboard, ceiling tiles, sheetrock/drywall, wood and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, insulation materials, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth as well.

HOW CAN I TELL IF THERE IS MOLD IN MY HOME/BUSINESS AND WHAT DO I LOOK FOR?
Mold spores may enter your 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. When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, they will grow.
  • Look for visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black yellow, green, fluorescent). Mold often appears as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of furnishings or building materials (walls, ceilings, or anything made of wood or paper). Look for signs of excess moisture or water damage (water leaks, standing water, water stains, and condensation problems).
  • Search behind and underneath materials (carpet and pad, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, sink cabinets), furniture, pictures or stored items (especially things placed near outside walls or on clod floors). Sometimes destructive techniques may be needed to inspect and clean enclosed spaces where mold and moisture are hidden; for example, opening up a wall cavity. Mold and/or Mildew - Fungus which grows in damp, dark areas causes discoloration, musty smells and odors
  • Check around air handling units (air conditioners, furnaces) for stagnant water. Keep these units serviced with regular cleaning of ducts and air filters.
  • Search areas with noticeable mold odors. Mildew has been described as pungent, or "aromatic," this is the result of a decaying process. If you can see mold, or if there is an earthy or musty odor, you can assume you have a mold problem.
  • Search for damp spots on walls when water has absorbed through the walls and will may have dark gray splotches located in various places.
  • When a white chalky substance appears on the walls, this process is known as efflorescence, this is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. This is a sign of possible structural deterioration.
  • Walls with noticeable crack are definite signs of the foundation of the house moving/shifting and should be inspected to determine the exact cause.
  • When paint peals on the wall, it is a sign that the walls have taken moisture inside, as paint will not stick to a wet surface.
  • Look for rust on bottoms of furnaces, water heaters, and other metal appliances, these could possibly be signs of dampness and water evaporation.
  • Dry Rot can be detected by a dark brown/black fungus that grows on walls and other wooden surfaces that will eventually cause wood decay.
  • Look for signs that of paneling shaping into a bow and the paneling becomes discolored, commonly at the bottom portion of the paneling.

CAN AIR DUCTS BECOME CONTAMINATED WITH MOLD?
Yes. Air duct systems can become contaminated with mold. Duct systems may bare sheet metal, sheet metal with fibrous glass insulation on the exterior, or sheet internal fibrous glass liner, or they may be made entirely of fibrous glass. Bare sheet and sheet metal with exterior fibrous glass insulation can be cleaned and disposed of damaged, ductwork made of sheet metal with an internal fibrous glass liner or made glass will often need to be removed and discarded. Ductwork in difficult-to-reach areas should be abandoned. If you have other questions, contact an air duct cleaning professional contactor.

WHAT CAN HOMEOWNERS OR TENANTS DO TO TREAT MOLD CONTAMINATION?
Typically, if you have recently detected a "mold-like" substance that is light in color, you may want to use ten (10) parts bleach to one (1) part water and scrub the area with a wire brush. Make sure to have your eyes, nose and mouth protected using goggles and a face mask when performing this procedure. If the situation seems too much for you to handle by yourself, or the mold is dark in color, consult a professional immediately and have them treat your problem. It is better to have a professional perform the services and be safe then to perform the services yourself and be sorry later.