What do molds need to survive

Molds secrete digestive fluids that decompose the substrate, making nutrients available. Mold can also digest some synthetic materials such as adhesives, pastes and paints. While mold cannot get nutrients from inorganic material such as concrete, glass and metal, it can grow on the dirt present on these surfaces.

Molds prefer damp or wet material. The high humidity makes surfaces damp enough for mold to grow. Mold can grow by extension of hyphae that are like tiny root hairs. In this way, a small colony of mold can expand to cover many square feet of material.

Mold can also make spores that are like very small seeds. Spores can survive conditions that are too sunny, hot, cold, dry or wet for mold to grow. When spores are released they can be carried by air or water to new locations. Some spores are so small that they are more affected by air currents than by gravity. When spores land on a damp surface that has food and oxygen available, and if the temperature suits them, they will start to grow.

It is important to realize that mold spores are present everywhere, in outside air as well as indoor air — unless very special precautions are taken to remove or kill them. Wherever there is decaying organic material leaves, mulch, wood mold and mold spores are also present. Everyday we are exposed to airborne mold spores from outdoor sources, sometimes at high concentrations. It is almost impossible to create a mold free space or to keep a space mold free.

What we can do — and should do — is control the amount of mold in our indoor environments. In addition, mold can damage or destroy building materials such as the wood or gypsum board in our homes. Most people are not affected by exposure to mold, unless they are exposed to a lot of mold. Remember, mold is everywhere; we are all exposed to mold every day.

If you have asthma, exposure to mold can cause an asthma attack or make your chronic asthma get worse. At this point we do not know if exposure to mold, especially early in life, can lead to the development of asthma.

Unfortunately, doctors can test for allergy to only a very few of the thousands of species kinds of molds that exist. We also provide specialized in-lab testing, which allows you to collect your own sample and submit it to us.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Mold is commonly thought of as a seasonal problem, and many homeowners think mold issues disappear when the weather is cold. Can mold grow in cold temperatures? Does mold die in the winter? Why does mold grow on windows in winter?

Do mold allergies go away in winter? How do you prevent mold from growing in the winter? Inspect pipes and fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible to prevent water from collecting. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green and often look like discoloration or stain to a surface. They can also have a velvety, fuzzy, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mold and where it is growing. Mold spores are everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, but they are not visible to the naked eye.

Through the air : They can enter through open windows, doorways, and ventilation systems. Mold will only flourish if spores land somewhere that has the ideal conditions for growing, such as moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. If the environment is unsuitable for the spores, they do not usually develop or cause a problem.

Mold growth is usually visible and often produces a musty odor. It can damage household items, and it can also have an impact on health. Mold can pose a health problem , especially for people with an allergy, an existing respiratory problem, or a weakened immune system. As mold grows, spores, cells, fragments, and unstable organic compounds can enter the air. They can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins. Some of these can be toxic, especially to individuals who have a sensitivity to them.

Also, dampness encourages materials to break down, increasing the volume of particles, or dust, in the air. These particles can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat, especially in a person who already has a breathing problem, asthma , or a chronic lung condition.

Mold allergies can produce similar symptoms to other allergies, such as hay fever , or seasonal allergy. In these, too, airborne substances can affect the upper respiratory tract. People with a mold allergy as well as asthma have a higher chance of having an asthma attack when there is mold in the environment. A higher volume of dust can increase the risk of dust mites, which can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

Some types of mold, such as Aspergillus , can cause a serious health problem, known as aspergillosis , in some people. Most people can breathe in the spores of this fungus without becoming sick, but people who have a weakened immune system or an existing lung disease can have a severe reaction.

There are different types of aspergillosis:. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis ABPA : This affects the lungs and can cause breathing problems. Allergic aspergillus sinusitis : This affects the nose and can involve a headache.

Aspergilloma, or fungus ball : This can cause a cough, which may produce blood, as well as breathing problems. While doing this, it breaks down the material bit by bit. The digestive enzymes eventually destroy the material , and the mold grows and spreads further to consume energy from more material. Some of the most common molds are listed below. The exterior surfaces they are commonly found on are also identified. Aspergillus: Aspergillus is one of the most common molds. You can find its spores virtually everywhere — from Antarctic soil and the interior of spacecraft to homes throughout the USA.

Found both inside and outside homes, this mold often grows on painted surfaces, wood, many types of paneling, painted masonry including brick and masonry block , and poured concrete foundations.

Penicillium : Another common type of mold, Penicillium also thrives both inside and outside of the home. It commonly infests vinyl, paneling, wood, painted masonry, and poured concrete foundations. Cladosporium : This mold is one of the most common types of mold found on external surfaces of buildings. Cladosporium may colonize vinyl siding, glass surfaces, windows, many types of wood, and paneling.