What are mold spores?

by | Apr 13, 2022 | Mold Advice & Tips

Mold spores are the reproductive agents (seeds) of mold that are invisible to the naked eye and spread easily through the air. Another word for mold spore is “conidium” (plural: conidia).

They can be found everywhere at all times, both indoors and outdoors.

Mold emits spores as part of its natural life cycle.

In nature, this allows molds to reproduce and spread, much like seeds from trees or flowers.

While mold is beneficial to the environment, it isn’t a welcome guest in your home.

These same conditions can allow mold to grow on walls, ceilings, carpeting and other furnishings.

Once disturbed, they may remain airborne for up to two hours before settling again.

These spores travel through the air until they find a place that has adequate moisture, oxygen and food sources in order to germinate and grow.

If conditions are right within your home, they can grow into mold colonies, which can damage whatever it grows on.

If you are allergic to molds and you breathe in their spores, you will begin to sneeze and cough a lot, experience rashes on your skin or swelling in your throat.

In rare cases, mold spores can also cause infections in sensitive parts of our bodies, like our lungs.

This is a serious condition and if you have any symptoms like this, you should consult your doctor immediately.

We can’t completely get rid of them in the air, but we can monitor the humidity in our home to help prevent any unwanted mold growth.

Mold needs moisture to grow and thrive, so monitoring for water damage and your home’s humidity is crucial in preventing potential problems.

The general rule is to keep your indoor humidity between 30-60 percent and fix any leaks and damaged materials.

The most common areas you may find mold in your home include:

Attics

Basements

Bathrooms, including showers and bathtubs

Crawl spaces

Kitchens, including sinks, drains, and dishwashers

Laundry rooms or appliances

Under carpets or behind walls

HVAC systems

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