Mold
What is Mold
Molds are various types of fungi that grow in filaments and reproduce by forming spores. Mold spores can survive under dry and harsh environments that can exist naturally everywhere. These spores travel through outdoor and indoor air, when the mold spores land on a surface where moisture is present, mold can then start to grow. Mold thrives in damp, warm, and humid environments.
On May 7, 1993, the New York City Department of Health, the New York City Human Resources Administration, and Mt. Sinai Occupational Health Clinic convened an expert panel on Stachybotrys atria in Indoor Environments. The purpose of the panel was to develop policies for medical and environmental evaluation and intervention to address Stachybotrys atria.
The panel was primarily concerned with Stachybotrys Alta because of its potential health hazards by producing potent mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that have been identified as toxic agents. The panel found that other fungi, aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Trichoderma, and memnoniella also produce mycotoxins that are considered toxic agents. Because of these other fungi and their ability to produce toxic agents the panel and the industry have generally accepted the position that all molds are detrimental to human health. Therefore the actions required for clean-up of mold are the same for Stachybotrys and all other molds.
Where is Mold Found
Mold can grow in any location that has the right environmental conditions. These conditions require a food source, typically cellulose (wood, drywall) and water. In a building, it can be found in wet locations like the kitchen, bathroom, and basement. In the kitchen, you can almost always find some black mold under the sink on the wooden base. In the bathroom, it can be found near the toilet and near the bathtub and shower. A location very common but hidden is around and under the shower pan (the part you stand in when taking a shower) this is typically caused by poorly caulked seams or deteriorating caulking. Many of these problems are not discovered until you pay close attention or there is a much larger leak that requires the surrounding drywall to be removed.
What Can American Abatement Do?
We are trained in the removal of mold from any type of building. We have removed mold in hospitals, schools, homes, apartments, office buildings, and hundreds of other structures including aircraft.
Statement by American Abatement: American Abatement did not develop the underlying information used to create the information at this website and does not warrant the accuracy and completeness of such information. American Abatement emphasizes that asbestos and black mold should not be handled, sampled, removed, or repaired by anyone other than a qualified professional.