mold

CausesConcernsCures

CausesConcernsCures

EDUCATIONAL TRAINING SERIES NO. 13

Mold’s Scientific Classification Mold’s Scientific Classification

Mushrooms Mushrooms MildewMildew MOLDMOLD

YeastsYeasts

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WHAT Is Mold? WHAT Is Mold?

Microscopic organism

Spread by spores

Breaks down cellulose matter

Made to survive

Microscopic organism

Spread by spores

Breaks down cellulose matter

Made to survive

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Cures

Mold TYPES Mold TYPES

ALLERGENICUsually not life threatening

PATHOGENICInfectious, found in hospitals

TOXICCan cause health effects in just about anyone

ALLERGENICUsually not life threatening

PATHOGENICInfectious, found in hospitals

TOXICCan cause health effects in just about anyone

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HOW Does Mold Grow? HOW Does Mold Grow?

MOISTURE• Relative humidity over 60%• Standing water (24 hours)

NUTRIENTS

TEMPERATURE68°–86° F (20°–30° C)

MOISTURE• Relative humidity over 60%• Standing water (24 hours)

NUTRIENTS

TEMPERATURE68°–86° F (20°–30° C)

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MoistureMoisture

Where there’s MOISTURE

• Roofing leaks • Walls

• Flooding • Piping leaks

• Condensation • Appliances

• Overwatering • Plumbing plants fixtures

Where there’s MOISTURE

• Roofing leaks • Walls

• Flooding • Piping leaks

• Condensation • Appliances

• Overwatering • Plumbing plants fixtures

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Nutrients = Organic Matter Nutrients = Organic Matter

Where there are NUTRIENTS• Paper • Ceiling

tiles• Wallpaper • Wood• Cardboard • Fabrics • Dust • Sheetrock• Carpets

Where there are NUTRIENTS• Paper • Ceiling

tiles• Wallpaper • Wood• Cardboard • Fabrics • Dust • Sheetrock• Carpets

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TYPES Found in Homes TYPES Found in Homes

Many species

Only one toxic common to the house environment:

Black Stachybotrys

Many species

Only one toxic common to the house environment:

Black Stachybotrys

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How FAST DoesMold Grow? How FAST DoesMold Grow?

Most spores germinate within 12-48 HOURS with right conditions

Colonies of mold will develop in 1-12 DAYS after activation

Most spores germinate within 12-48 HOURS with right conditions

Colonies of mold will develop in 1-12 DAYS after activation

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What to Look for What to Look for

VISUAL SIGNS• Velvety, granular, cottony,

leathery

• Varied colors (black gray, pink, white, brown, yellow, green, fluorescent)

• Areas of water leakage

• Heating and cooling systems

• Noticeable musty odors

VISUAL SIGNS• Velvety, granular, cottony,

leathery

• Varied colors (black gray, pink, white, brown, yellow, green, fluorescent)

• Areas of water leakage

• Heating and cooling systems

• Noticeable musty odors

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Concerns

Cures

WHO is at Risk?WHO is at Risk?

Young children Individuals with suppressed

immune systems Elderly Sick Individuals with respiratory

problems Asthma patients

Young children Individuals with suppressed

immune systems Elderly Sick Individuals with respiratory

problems Asthma patients

Causes

ConcernsConcernsConcernsConcerns

Cures

WHAT Can Be Done? WHAT Can Be Done?

Prevention

Awareness

Removal

Prevention

Awareness

Removal

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Concerns

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TESTING TESTING

Can be complicated

Can be expensive

Requires trained individual

US EPA — Health Canada• Testing procedures• Action levels

Can be complicated

Can be expensive

Requires trained individual

US EPA — Health Canada• Testing procedures• Action levels

Causes

Concerns

CuresCuresCuresCures

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