What are molds?
• Mold and fungi are organisms with rigid cell walls but no chlorophyll, which grow wherever there is both water and a source of organic nutrition. Certain chemicals called mycotoxins that can produce VOCs such as acetone, ethanol, and isopropanol are produced by some molds and might be toxic to people and animals.
Molds are small organisms found almost everywhere, inside and outside, including on plants, foods and dry leaves. They can be nearly any color – white, orange, green or black. Molds are beneficial to the environment and are needed to break down dead material. Very tiny and lightweight, mold spores travel easily through the air. Most building surfaces can provide adequate nutrients to support the growth of mold. When mold spores land on material that is damp – for example, walls, floors, appliances (such as humidifiers or air conditioners), carpet or furniture – they can begin to multiply. When molds are present in large numbers, they may cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.
Molds are tiny microscopic organisms that digest organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores. Molds are a type of fungi and there are over 100,000 species. In nature, mold helps decompose or break-down leaves, wood and other plant debris. Molds become a problem when they go where they are not wanted and digest materials such as our homes.
Molds belong to the kingdom of Fungi, and unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plant materials. Without molds, our environment would be overwhelmed with large amounts of dead plant matter. Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce, just like plants produce seeds. Spores are found both inside and outside. They settle on damp spots or damp areas, start digesting whatever they are growing on. Molds start germinating within 12 hours. New molds start to grow in 24 hours and are able to produce new spores in 48 to 72 hours.
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.
