With all the attention to mold in the last couple of decades, and the health problems it can cause, The Centers for Disease Control’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is researching mold and learning much more about it and its affects, as well as how do deal with mold in our homes.
Many health problems are being caused by mold in our homes, however many people are still unaware of the hazards. However, industrial hygienists are cultivating mold in order to learn more about its growth, what it grows on, how it grows, and how it makes us sick.
The microbiologists studying mold have learned in the lab that it is able to grow on practically any building materials and in most environments; but damp and humid conditions are prime factors for mold growth.
Even when not yet visible, mold releases chemicals of a volatile nature into the air. A musty or mildew smell is a definite sign of mold. Scientists experimenting by blending moisture, warmth, and mold spores discovered that with the right amount of moisture mold can grow even faster making moldy messes of ordinary ceiling tiles in very little time.
As we have already learned from research, mold can be present any time in almost any location causing health problems such as asthma and allergies. Researchers are developing better ways to locate mold and treat the health problems. They are also able to teach the public how to clean moldy places in their homes.
Dr.Terri Pearce who is an industrial hygienist for The Centers for Disease Control’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that people not worry about what kind of mold they have, but strongly recommends that they just get rid of it immediately.
A new technology tool being used by mechanical engineers using radio waves enables them to obtain 3D images of the insides of basement walls. If there is water inside the walls, the radio waves will reflect the energy much more specifically than would dry materials. With this new mold-seeking tool, they are able to make sure that mold is not present and flourishing in your house.
