Mold

What is Mold?

Mold exists naturally in soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying material. Mold plays an essential role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant matter. As a member of the kingdom Fungi, mold lacks chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plant materials. A world without mold would be covered and overwhelmed with large amounts of dead plant matter.

Molds produce tiny spores in the air as their way of reproduction, just as some plants produce seeds. The mold spores are found everywhere in both indoor and outdoor air. They are unavoidable. 

Damp environments provide optimal conditions for mold growth. When mold spores land on a damp area with the proper nutrients, they will begin to grow. Mold digests whatever it is growing on, so stopping mold growth in early stages will prevent damage to furnishing and building materials.

Health Concerns with Mold in Your Home

Mold growth is familiar to most people when it is seen as a fuzzy patch or stain spreading across food or damp surfaces. Some molds produce chemicals that can be harmful if swallowed and digested. An extremely small number of these chemicals can be found in indoor air and are not suspected to be a health hazard to the general public.

Mold exposure from breathing indoor or outdoor air can be irritating and can aggravate allergies and asthma. Very few molds are known to cause chronic health effects to individuals who inhale them. Mold found in homes is mainly mold that causes allergy symptoms.

It cannot be expected for a building to be free of mold, nor is it necessary. However, visible mold growth on indoor surfaces is a sign of moisture presence, and the source of the moisture should be identified and remediated.  Indoor mold growth should be removed by using correct cleaning methods for small spots, careful attention to dust control, and seeking professional assistance for larger amounts.  A 1:10 ratio of bleach to water will kill a majority of minor indoor mold cases.

How can we help you?

We do not remediate mold or get involved in tenant-landlord disputes. Those with concerns of mold in rental properties need to speak with their landlord. If you feel your landlord has not been responsive to your concerns, you can contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to submit a complaint or contact Legal Action of WI (LAW) for free legal advise to those who qualify.

We provide onsite mold investigation in very rare circumstances. Because the state does not consider mold to be a public health hazard, there is very little we can do aside from providing education and information. We are happy to provide mold cleanup information and Mold Remediation Contractor contact information.  Please see the web links below for more information.