Mold, Spores, & Dust Mites

Common Types of Biotic (living things that influence or affect an ecosystem) Indoor Air Contaminants

Mold: Mold reproduces through spores that become air born. It can come in many different types. There are 15 different types of mold that can grow within a residence. Mold is a type of fungus that grows primarily in dark and moist places. Metal air ducts are a perfect environment for mold growth. If the ducts become dirty the smallest amount of moisture will cause the dust in the ducts to grow a fungus. The air movement from the system will cause the fungus spores to spread throughout the system and eventually the home. It is not uncommon for our technicians to come across a mold outbreak within a system. Especially if the system has not been cleaned recently.

USA Weekend featured and article that highlighted some of the dangers of mold found within a home.

* 50% of homes in the United States contain “problem molds”
* Asthma rates over the past 20 years have risen 300% because of indoor molds
* The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota found that 96% of chronic sinus infections are associated with indoor mold.

Mold is particularly Hazardous to:
* Children
* Elderly People
* Pregnant Women
* Any Person with Asthma or other respiratory conditions

Spores: Spores are microscopic seed particles that are released into the air by the mold fungus. These spores will spread to more mold fungus when blown around a home by the ventilation system. Mold spores are hazardous to any person that breathes them when they become airborne. Certain types of mold, produce harmful mycotoxins, including starchybotrys chartarum more commonly known as Black Mold, the most commonly known form of mold. The only way to keep mold from growing in your system is to deep clean and sanitize it regularly.

Dust Mites: Dust mites are microscopic arachnids (Spider and Tick family) that are invisible to the naked eye, and are commonly found in many places throughout the home. Fabrics, carpeting, upholstery, bedding, and drapery are some of the most common. Their fecal matter contain a protein that is toxic to humans, and in significant quantities, may cause illness. A walk across the carpet, or moving pillows or drapes will launch the dust mite fecal matter into the air where it may remain for up to 10 minutes. The particles will be sucked into the air ventilation system where these toxins will accumulate along with other dust and contaminants. The dust and fecal matter get sucked into the system, consequently spreading back throughout the home and cycled back through the air. A regular deep cleaning and sanitization is the only way to clean these contaminants out of your system.

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