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The molds that form on stale bread have a lot in common with the mushrooms in the local grocery store. All molds belong to the Kingdom Fungi. Fungi have approximately 1.5 million species. Fungi receive their food from other living organisms in contrast to other plants that make their own food. The main role of fungi in the ecosystem is to breakdown organic material such as dead plants and animals.

In the word biodegradable, mold represents the prefix “BIO”. If mold did not exist, the world would be full of dead things such as trees, leaves, animals and insects. The enzymes that mold produce are what help it to break down dead organisms as well as wood and building materials. Molds cause tremendous damage to buildings each year by decomposing wood structural components and other building materials such as sheetrock and insulation. Stored goods inside the structure are also at risk of damage from mold and contamination from the mold spores that infiltrate the air in moldy environments.

Mold can be found growing on just about anything including plants, glass, steel, concrete & building materials. Humans make use of many molds. For example, certain molds are used for making antibiotics, wine, beer, and cheese. Some types of molds are known to be extremely toxic when ingested, such as certain molds that invade peanuts and grains. Other molds are known to cause health problems such as allergies, asthma, headaches and a host of other health problems when the reproductive spores of mold are inhaled.

Mold spores are so tiny that they require a microscope to be seen. They circulate in the air currents, and can be carried long distances before settling on a surface. If the mold spores land on a surface conducive to mold growth, they will grow. Molds only need a few basic necessities to thrive, which include moisture, a food source and a surface to grow on. Often times the source of food can be found in the source of moisture, dust, or material it grows on.

A group of molds called deuteromycetes has various stages in its life cycle that place it in different groups. Many species of mold that are harmful to human health are in this group. Different species of molds thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions. The environment that is ideal for mold growth is a temperature range of 32° to 104° with a pH balance of 3 to 8. Certain species of mold have can thrive in hot springs where temperatures can reach 140°F. A humidity of 40% or greater is preferred by most molds. Some molds are able to survive with very little water. However, molds that grow in buildings usually grow where there is sufficient moisture. Bathrooms and basements are an ideal habitat for molds to grow. Colors of mold range from green, pink, blue, black, orange, white or brown.

SafeAir Certified Mold Inspection provides testing for the presence of mold in Norcross, Georgia. We pride ourselves on being an independent mold testing and inspection company. We do not have an affiliation with any mold cleanup companies nor do we recommend mold remediation companies. We believe this would be a conflict of interest and prefer to remain a neutral party who has no financial interest in the outcome of the mold testing and inspection services we provide. This is how we can best serve our clients! Call SafeAir Certified Mold Inspection for a free consultation or to schedule a mold test or mold inspection service.

SafeAir Certified Mold Inspection

789 Hammond Dr. #1406

Kennesaw, GA 30328

(404) 695-0673 (404) 695-0673