Toxic mold is a common problem of homes and commercial buildings. These molds come in varying forms and one common toxic mold is called “black mold.” Mold exposure can cause sickness, ranging from minor irritations to very severe health problems, depending on the individual who is exposed to it. Here is an overview of major kinds of molds and common causes of mold growth at homes and commercial buildings.

Common Kinds of Molds

Molds work naturally by breaking down biological objects. They are almost anywhere and it spreads as small spores that are usually very light enough to drift through the air. Mold spores stay in a damp place and they start to increase and eat the object where they have landed. There are many kinds of molds and several sources state that there are more than 100,000 species of molds. There are molds that are harmless and others can cause serious health problems. Some common kinds of molds you can find at homes and commercial buildings are as follows:

• Penicillium
• Alteraria
• Cladosporium
• Aspergillus
• Stachybotrys atra

Molds may generate volatile organic compounds or VOCs or toxins as their byproducts. Normally, VOC evaporates at room temperature and when you smell a stuffy odor, you actually smell the volatile organic compounds. Several VOC generates adverse health problems but they are not extremely harmful. No matter what kind of mold generates, volatile or toxins, all these molds should be treated as health risks and when molds are present, it should be checked and immediate action must be done such as cleanup.

Causes of Mold in Homes

Mold spores may enter the home through open doors and/or windows, or after contact with pets and persons. Molds grow when the following conditions are present:

• Too much moisture
• Correct temperature where they can grow
• A food source

Sources of Moisture

Moisture comes from many sources. Modern houses and commercial buildings are built in very tight way. This is ideal for insulation purposes; it decreases the ability of the building to “breathe”, reducing the probability of drying effects of natural air movement.

Moisture may enter the commercial building due to flood, or as a consequence of too much rain, or through broken pipes. Moisture in the home or any building may drench carpeting and other objects, and produce moist food source where molds grow. Moisture can also go through the building walls and other living spaces when there are leaks in the roof, windows, or walls. These leakages may be the outcome of faulty design and building materials and poor construction.

No matter what the source of moisture is, take note that when water enters the building or home, molds will grow that will feed on the carpets, ceiling tiles, insulations, paper backing materials, and drywall.