What is Mold?

1/5/2015 (Permalink)

Mold growing in an attic in Tunkhannock, Pa from a leaking roof.

Molds are organisms which are neither plant nor animal. They are part of the fungi kingdom.

Unlike plants, molds do not get their energy from the sun through photosynthesis. In fact the sun's ultraviolet light inhibits mold growth.

Molds also digest or "eat" the material they are growing on. The role of mold is to break down decaying organic matter such as dead plants, leaves or dead animals.

Outdoors, you can find mold growing in places like soil, wood, decaying plants and dead animals.

Some places where mold likes to grow in the home include carpet, paper, clothes, leather, drywall, wood, insulation and food.

Besides oxygen and organic materials containing carbon to provide nutrients, the other main requirement mold needs to grow is moisture. You can find mold growing almost anywhere provided there is enough of a moisture source for it.

Mold problems cannot develop in houses unless there is a moisture problem. The moisture accumulation might be caused through humidity, condensation, or water intrusion from leaks, spills, floods, etc. Most molds only require suitable materials to be wet for 24-48 hours before they can grow.

Molds that can survive using only humidity as their moisture source are called Xerophilic, whereas other molds require an accumulation of moisture to grow. Indoors the best way to prevent mold growing is to limit moisture.