When an indoor environment becomes wet and is left unattended for an extended amount of time (sometimes as little as 48 hours) mold growth can occur. And the longer that materials and belongings remain wet, the bigger the mold problem becomes. Every minute that mold growth on building materials remains in a home or office the risks to the occupants health and safety increases.

And here’s why: Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight which allows them to become airborne and travel through the air very easily. And because the spores are so very, very small they can overwhelm the human body’s natural defenses and leave the lungs and the respiratory system at risk of allergies, asthma and infections. The most susceptible individuals to health risks include infants, children, the elderly, and immune compromised individuals such as those undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from liver disease.

Requirements for Mold Growth

• A food source – such as leaves, wood, paper or dirt
• A source of moisture
• An optimal location (warm stagnant air)

Sources of Indoor Moisture

• Slab foundations
• Flooding
• Backed-up sewers
• Leaky roofs
• Humidifiers
• Damp basement or crawl spaces
• Construction defects
• Plumbing leaks
• House plants – watering can generate large amounts of moisture
• Steam from cooking
• Shower/bath steam and leaks
• Wet clothes on indoor drying lines
• Clothes dryer vented indoors
• Combustion appliances (e.g. stoves) not exhausted to the outdoor