Mold is the most dangerous side effect to a home with a high level of moisture. Certain types of indoor fungi make mycotoxins, which are carcinogenic, teratogenics (causes birth defects), suppress the immune system, and poison tissues. Mold not only affects a home’s inhabitants, but the structural integrity of the home itself, discoloring surfaces, deteriorates building materials, and structural damage by trapped water and water vapor.
Mold and mildew are simple fungi plants that grow on surfaces where the relative moisture is high and can cause allergic reactions, hypersensitivity, and infectious diseases. It is a common misconception that mold is only found in older homes, but it can be grow wherever moisture accumulates, like basements, kitchens, bathrooms, windows, carpets, furniture against walls, wall cavities, unventilated rooms, laundry rooms, and wherever flooding occurs.
David Johnston states, “One study showed 16 different kinds of mold in one finished basement.” Worried about mold in your home? Having unexplained health issues? Click here for an ecoProach evaluation now!
Sources:
Johnston, David and Kim Master. Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers, 2004.
Krigger, John and Chris Dorsi. Residential Energy, Cost Saving and Comfort for Existing Buildings, Fourth Edition. Helena: Thompson-Shore, Inc., 2004.
