Mold definition
Have you ever asked yourself what mold is?, mold is a fungus that can be found both in the open air and in closed spaces throughout the year. Mold species are not quantified in their entirety but its believed that there are more than 300 thousand. An important characteristic of mold is that the suitable environments for its growth are warm, wet and humid. Mold propagates by spores and these survive in hostile environments.
What is required for mold growth?
Mold grows on any organic surface and its spores can spread everywhere. The humid and warm conditions favor the growth of harmful mold. They can be found in humid areas outdoors or in shaded places where there is decomposition of leaves or other vegetation. The most common growths can be found in places where humidity levels are high such as basements or showers.
In what places can mold be found?
- Antique stores
- Greenhouses
- Saunas Farms
- Mills
- Construction areas
- Florists
- Summer houses
Types of indoor mold
The mold that you can find in your home or any room is classified in:
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
In another article we will go deeper into each of the types of mold
How does mold affect people?
If you want to know how mold can make you sick, click.
Some people are sensitive to molds. Exposure to molds in these people can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, eye irritation or wheezing. Other people who have severe allergies to molds may experience more severe reactions. Severe reactions can occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in the workplace, as in the case of farmers who work around the moldy hay all day. Some severe reactions can include fever and difficulty breathing. People with chronic diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in the lungs. Read: Mold can make you sick.