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The
Good, the bad, the ugly and the hidden...
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THE GOOD
You are probably aware of some of the good molds. Without them we
would not have penicillin and many other antibiotics, or even cheese. And
without mold's cousin yeast, no beer, wine, or many delicious
breads.
Mold and/or mildew is as old as life on earth. It is part of the
natural organic decomposition process necessary for the continued
growth and survival of all life on this planet.
Mold lives mostly in the soil and propagates thru the air by
producing microscopic spores for reproduction.
photo: penicillium on bread
click photo for larger image |
THE BAD
Of the thousands of species of mold, only a few have been identified
as producing pathogenic spores that are detrimental to your health.
These bad spores produce mycotoxins which are particularly hazardous
to the very young, the elderly, those with compromised immune
systems, as well as those afflicted with asthma, allergies and other
respiratory problems.
However, even a healthy person with no allergies or respiratory
problems will react badly to prolonged exposure to any kind of mold
spore concentration, toxic or not, in a confined area such as a home
or business.
photo: aspergillus niger in the attic
click photo for larger image |
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THE UGLY
You have heard of the toxic 'black' mold, but even this mold may be
green, gray, pinkish or yellow in its various stages.
Dry rot in your home or building is also the result of a fungal
growth.
photo: stachybotrys on wallboard
click photo for larger image |
THE HIDDEN
The mold in your shower is probably not a problem, but other molds
love dark, damp, warm, confined spaces and can be difficult to find,
much less eradicate. This is why and when you may really need our
help.
photo: Penicillium found behind basement sheetrock
click photo for larger image |
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TOXIC CROP DUST
Animals or humans ingesting affected crops can have severe
health reactions and even die. The Great Irish Potato Famine of
the 1800s was the result of widespread toxic crop mold.In Iowa, improper storage of grains and hay will promote mold growth and
inhaling mold spores in the resulting crop dust is also hazardous to
your health.
Acute symptoms can eventually develop into chronic respiratory
problems, depending on the concentration and/or length of time one
is exposed to contaminated air, especially in a confined space.
photo: Fusarium, plant/crop mold
click photo for larger image |
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CONTACT
Dave Grimm
515.988.2671
Des Moines &
Central Iowa
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