Canton City
Health Department
James M.
Adams, R.S., M.P.H., Health Commissioner
Promoting and Protecting Health Since 1849
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420 Market Ave. North |
Molds are small organisms found almost everywhere, inside and outside, including on plants, foods and dry leaves. They can be nearly any color - white, orange, green or black. Molds are beneficial to the environment and are needed to break down dead material. Very tiny and lightweight, mold spores travel easily through the air. Most building surfaces can provide adequate nutrients to support the growth of mold. When mold spores land on material that is damp - for example, walls, floors, appliances (such as humidifiers or air conditioners), carpet or furniture - they can begin to multiply. When molds are present in large numbers, they may cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen. You are exposed to some mold every day, usually by touching, eating or breathing it. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. A person who ingests or inhales a large number of spores may suffer adverse health effects. Health effects such as headaches, dizziness and nausea have been linked to exposure to microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), but research is only beginning. Odors from mVOCs are a sign that mold is actively growing and so may indicate a level of mold contamination requiring remediation. Some molds make good neighbors- Penicillin, yeast, cheese, beer and wine Some molds are bad seeds- Stachybotrys and Aspergillis In any case, mold in your home is never a good thing if you didn't intend on it being there. Mold means that there is a moisture problem in your home that needs attention. We are here to answer your mold questions, so give us a call at 330-489-3327 You can also view the following
PowerPoint presentation for additional information on molds and spores: |
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Canton City Health Department |
