Mold Analysis

Molds

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, wherever decaying organic material is found. Such places can be found in forest soil or potting soil. For this reason, mold spores are also very often found in the air. Molds are essential for a functioning ecosystem.

If a new substrate is available, they can quickly settle there.

Most types of mold are generally harmless to humans, and some, such as Penicillium or Noble mold, are used intentionally.

However, some species can lead to infectious diseases, skin and respiratory infections, or trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms, depending on the intensity of the infestation.

Often, the underlying material is also attacked during prolonged mold infestation.

How does mold enter the house?

When the ubiquitous mold spores find a suitable substrate, they can quickly settle and spread.

Moisture is a basic requirement for mold growth. If nutrients are also available, mold thrives. Depending on the species, nutrients can be found in wood, wallpaper paste, or even in household dust.

What types of molds are there?

There are over 250,000 species of molds. The number is so large and the species so similar that aside from a genetic analysis, only a rough classification is often possible. However, this is sufficient for use in living spaces.

• Black mold
• Watering can mold
• Head mold
• Penicillium
• Neurospora
• Wallemia

The colors of mold colonies cannot be used for identification and often depend on the environment. To be certain about the type of mold, a laboratory analysis must be performed, either to analyze the spores in the air or to directly examine an infested spot («swab test»).

However, color can help to roughly estimate the danger of the mold.

Black Mold

Some species of mold that are dangerous to humans are black. In particular, the genus Alternaria should be watched, as it produces toxins that are harmful to humans.

White Mold

When mold is white, it can often be difficult to detect an infestation in time. Nevertheless, it should be removed, as these species can also be harmful to health.

Yellow Mold

Species that appear yellow occur mainly on starchy foods and can release aflatoxins, which are very harmful to humans. Due to climatic conditions, yellow mold is rarely found in buildings in Switzerland but cannot be ruled out.

Green Mold

Green mold is often found in potting soil and on food. However, it can also spread to damp areas of ceilings or walls. The spores can irritate the respiratory system and cause headaches.

Red Mold

Some species of red mold can infest wood or wallpaper and damage them. The name "baker's mold" also indicates other substrates: it is often found on cereal products.

Mold can lead to health problems

The more mold spores in the air, the greater the potential health effects. These are often noticeable as eye, skin, and respiratory irritations. Over time, such irritation can develop into chronic bronchitis or asthma.

For people with already weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions, mold infestation can be very risky.

How to prevent mold

Primarily, the indoor humidity should be kept between 30 to 50%. Higher humidity promotes the growth of mites and mold. Good ventilation can help with this.

It is important not to leave windows tilted! This cools the room, leading to condensation on walls, creating more damp surfaces for mold to grow.

Instead, windows should be opened fully for short periods several times a day to allow for airflow. This is particularly important after generating a lot of steam, such as during cooking or showering. Using fans and exhaust hoods is also recommended.

Avoid drying clothes indoors, and promptly clean and dry any spilled liquids.

Heating is also important: All rooms should be kept warm enough, and heating should start early in the year before the walls cool down too much.

Furniture placed close to exterior walls can block room warmth, causing condensation on cooler walls. Mold growth behind a cabinet or sofa is often noticed too late.

How to remove mold

You can tackle smaller mold colonies yourself, but you should follow these steps:

• Wear protective clothing: gloves, a mask, and protective gear to keep increased spore emissions away from your lungs
• Protect items in the room
• Keep doors closed
• Ventilate well; work with open windows
• Avoid creating dust
• Work quickly
• Do not smoke or eat

For larger infestations, a professional company should definitely be hired! Otherwise, there is an increased risk to health and the spread of mold.

Avoid drying out the room before removing the mold, as this may cause the mold to enter the spore phase and release large quantities of spores.