In one Harvard study of 10,000 homes, mold was associated with a 50 to 100% increase in respiratory symptoms. A Mayo Clinic Study indicated that nearly all of the 37 million sufferers of chronic sinus infection may be able to attribute it to mold. Other studies link mold to the 300% increase in asthma over the past 20 years.
“About 38 percent of homes have mold and fungus growth due to elevated moisture.” (The American Society of Home Inspectors) This problem is often worse in modern, tighter homes with little ventilation. Molds are fungi, simple microscopic plants. Mildew is a thin, black, or sometimes white, growth produced by mold. There are thousands of species of molds. Outdoors, they live in the soil and help in the breakdown of organic matter. Molds grow indoors on virtually any substance when moisture is present.
The majority of indoor air quality problems, including mold, can be traced to construction deficiencies. That is a good reason to hire a company experienced in both construction defect as well as air quality issues.
Remember, biological contamination can begin in as little as 24 hours after a leak.
