What are Molds?

Molds are living organisms or species of the Fungi kingdom. They are ubiquitous in nature can be found both indoors and outdoors. There are tens of thousands of species of molds or fungi found naturally in our environment and are necessary as part of a balanced eco-system as molds have been on earth for many thousands of years. A dominance of mold growth is easily visible, often looking like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. Molds and Fungi grow and start producing in warm, damp and humid conditions making moisture a fundamental factor in mold dominance. Molds spread and reproduce by making spores. When molds go into spore form waiting for the right conditions to be activated, they can survive extremely severe environmental conditions, thus making the spore itself difficult to kill and eliminate. Some common molds are: Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternario, Aspergilus and the more dangerous Stachybotrys chartarum or black mold. Molds are common to every environment but some people with allergies or weakened immune systems can be sensitive to molds. Some symptoms include: nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or asthma and even skin irritations.

Movement or Travel of Mold  

Molds can go into spore forms which are very small and lightweight. Because of their size and weight, it is very easy for a spore to travel long distances. These spores easily travel on air currents and enter homes, buildings etc., thru doors, windows, ventilation systems etc. They can also attach to people, animals, clothing, shoes, etc. making these convenient vehicles for travel. Once a spore finds just the right conditions, they will become active and grow.

Mold and Health  

Though most molds are not harmful or toxin producing, some people are still sensitive to molds. For these people common health concerns from molds include hay fever-like allergic symptoms such as; nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, eye irritation, coughing, wheezing and or asthma and in some cases, skin irritation. People with specific mold allergies may have more serious reactions and people with immune deficiencies, lung illnesses etc. may get even more serious infections when exposed to molds. All molds whether harmful or not should be treated in the same manner. Since the effects of mold on different people varies greatly, CDC does not even suggest to have molds tested, because no matter what the type of mold or the amount, identification will not determine your personal health risk to it. All molds should be considered non-beneficial or at-risk and treated and eliminated from your home or office. The best defense is that if you can see or smell mold it is a possible health risk.

Where Molds Can Be Found  

Moisture is an essential factor in Mold growth and most commonly where flooding or water damage has occured. Some of the areas where mold can be found are: wall paneling, ceiling tiles, insulation, carpet and floors, cardboards, leaking window seals, broken water pipes, etc.  Even clothing, fabrics and paper products can exhibit signs of mold.  

Mold Consideration

The best way to manage mold and mildew in your home or business is to eliminate or limit the conditions that foster its establishment and growth. The underlying moisture problem supporting the mold should be identified and eliminated Molds should be removed with proper products and techniques, from materials that can be effectively cleaned and those that cannot be cleaned or are damaged beyond repair should be discarded.

Mold Remediation  

Using natural beneficial microbial inoculants will destroy the outer layer and inner mass of the spore leaving nothing but a dead residue and no toxic residue that can also be a health hazard. The microbes will then leave residuals that will become antagonistic and prevent spores from forming or attaching again. 

We use a unique blend of microbes for  several applications, such as mold and mildew control and algae & fungus control in lakes and ponds. We also provide services in waste & Odor control in waste systems and post mortum. 

Biological Product Definitions: In an effort to clarify the differences between different kinds of products and what they do, the following defininitions are given:

Diverse Bacteria - This is a broad sprectrum or a complete eco-system of beneficial soil borne bacteria. A diversity of micro-organisms allows for a more varied and flexable response to environmental fluctuations and stress. It also allows for the complete cycling of nutrients as it takes a wide variety of bacteria to complete each stage of the cycle.

Enzymes - An enzyme is a bi-product of a micro-organism or plant and are a form of protein. Different micro-organisms produce different enzymes that are responsible for performing different tasks in the soil profile.What enzymes you are getting and what is the targeted function is a question to be asked. An enzyme is not a living organism but is a necessary catalist causing the metabolic chemical reactions that take place in the soil and in the cell of the plant.

Stimulant - A stimulant is a plant or microbial hormone, extract, or growth regulator. Examples of these would be, auxins, gibberillins, cytokinins, yucca extract, etc. The plant or organism excretes these for cell elongation, stem growth and cell division.

Humate - A humate is a non-living material that has been decomposed to a state that is a very readily available form of carbon necessary for energy and cellular functions of the micro-organisms.

Kelps, Vitamins, Proteins, Amino Acids - These are a good organic source of nutrients for microbial and plant populations. Amino acids are necessary in the building of protein. Protein are the catalysts that cause many of the metabolic chemical reactions that take place in the soil and cells of the plant.

Specific Use Bacteria - This is a select or specific bacteria used to address specific or limited conditions. Many biological products are often a combination of a few specific use bacteria and should not be construed as a true consortia.

All the items above are essential when understood and used properly. When one is trying to utilize the benefits of a biological product, it is helpful to understand the role each plays. It is necessary to understand the difference between living and non living products, and specific diversity when looking at living products.  When choosing a microbial product, it makes sense that you would want to employ as much diversity of organisms rather than to put large enumeration of several specific use bacteria that can bring back to mono culture type profiles.

We are here to answer any questions, just call or email us at moldremedy@live.com and one of our microbial remediation experts will be happy to assist you.