Dangerous Information Posts on Mould

A few days ago, a post popped up on Facebook from a person with a mould problem who was looking for help.  There was well over a hundred replies with their personal advice, of which all but one were giving bad advice, some even downright dangerous or stupid.  It seems that even in these modern times, the old myths on mould are still strongly embedded in peoples minds.   

Mould and chest irritation

So lets take a look. The growth of mould and its existence is in two parts, spores (the seed) and fungus.  Specifically, moulds are microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. They are a natural part of the environment and play an important role in breaking down organic matter. Mould is neither a plant nor a vegetable, it belongs to the kingdom Fungi, which is separate from both the plant and animal kingdoms.  Therefore moulds are a microscopic fungi creating a filamentous (thread-like) structure and responsible for the production of spores. So as I said, mould related problems are of two parts.  The fungus and the spore which it produces.

The spore, which is the serious element is airborne.  It floats into your home through open doors and windows, if the environment is right, it will stay.  It settle itself in fabrics, bedding and mattresses and live with you for years with you being aware of its presence.  Once the air density of the spore is well establish, it seeks extra moisture and it forms colonies on walls where it grows as a fungus, this will be the first time you see it as black spots on cooler parts of the walls. 

This is why its bad advice to recommend simply cleaning away to black spots on the wall.  Any disturbance, even air movement from walking passed the infected wall, fans, spraying with any moisture, even bacteria etc will trigger the fungi to release spores and you increase the density of the airborne spore element, in the fullness of time the development of more colonies.  

In short. Mould spore cannot be removed by washing away the black secretion marks of the fungi on the wall, the dangerous element spores, are still alive and infesting the air. 

Bed mattresses is another great home for the development of mould. It is a warm environment with lots of moisture. The fungi will embed deep into the mattress unseen. Each time you enter the bed, boom another release of spore enters the air.

Did I hear someone say “Use a Dehumidifier”.  Yes a dehumidifier will lower the humidity, which is good if you have no airborne spore presently in your property.  A dehumidifier works by drawing air in from the room and passing it across a refrigerated plate.  This creates condensation on the plate and passes reduced moisturised air back out into the room, together with the spore, it does not kill them.

Testing for mould spore.  Mould spore are everywhere, they are part of our eco system, so all areas indoors and outdoors, airborne spores are present, it is the density m3 that is the important factor.  There is only one way to professional test for indoor pollution, and that is with a certified air quality meter operated my a qualified technician.  These will analyse the air particle content in parts per million per m3.  The result allow a qualified technician to calculate the presents of volatile toxic elements and determine if sterilisation is required,. 

Mould is dangerous, it will make you ill and in bad cases, can and does kill.  Posting ill advised unqualified information however well meant, is no help to anyone.

www.123bmt.net