What You Need to Know About Mold

Mold is an increasing health hazard in the Middle East. The soaring temperatures through most of the year and high humidity create the ideal breeding ground for mold. As we go back to the ‘new normal’ with the COVID-19 pandemic, the cleaning industry, in general, has moved to higher standards of cleanliness and hygiene. There has been growing talk in the industry worldwide about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) with the massive increase in time spent indoors. A key concern with weather conditions in the Middle East is that of mold. We hear the terms 'mold removal/abatement/remediation’ very often. In essence, they all mean the same thing. In essence, they all mean the same thing. Let’s start with the basics.

What is Mold?

A mold is a form of fungus. There are many different types, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors.

Mold produces spores, which spread by floating around in the air. These spores are present in all indoor environments. There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow. Mold spores thrive in environments that are moist and warm, so when they land on a damp spot, they begin to grow. Mold can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As they grow, they may digest the material they are growing on.

Mold poses an increased health hazard in our indoor spaces and is one of the key contributors to Building Related Illness (BRI) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Mold not only looks unsightly but can also create a range of health issues. Its exposure can trigger cough, nasal and sinus congestion, throat irritation, runny nose, and respiratory problems such as chest tightness and breathing difficulty. Prolonged mold exposure can lead to serious infections of the respiratory tract, digestive system, and skin. It can also aggravate the symptoms in people with asthma.

With the significant health risk posed it is important to detect and remove the source of mold. The process of doing this is complex and is best left to experts to avoid any significant long-term damage. If left unattended mold can cause serious structural damage both externally and internally in any building.

Signs to detect mold

Visible identification: Mold that has spread to the surface is usually dark green or black. However, the color can vary depending on the area where the mold is present. Mold has a spotty and patchy texture, which is easily identifiable.

Olfactory detection: In case you notice an unpleasant musty smell, it could indicate the presence of mold. The pungent smell is that of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which are released as the mold grows and multiplies.

Immune response: Your immune system’s response to mold can lead to flu-like symptoms, coughing, sneezing, and respiratory issues. If your symptoms linger over extended periods and you are unable to pinpoint the exact cause, it might indicate the presence of mold.

How to control mold

Reduce moisture: Mold thrives on moisture, so controlling moisture will automatically stop its growth. Maintain a humidity level below 60% indoors to prevent mold from forming. You can achieve this through natural ventilation or using dehumidifiers. It is important to note that with temperatures varying through the day one must keep a watch on humidity levels.

Check for leaks: As mold forms on damp surfaces, check your indoor space for any leaks. It could be a leaking roof or a damaged plumbing unit in your kitchen or bathroom. Even minute leaks can cause enough dampness to sustain a large colony of mold.

Use air purifiers: Mold spores can spread through the air and contaminate other areas. Using a HEPA-certified air purifier will help prevent the spread of mold spores. Let in natural light and sunshine: As mold thrives in dark areas, letting in sunlight can prevent its growth. When you open the windows and curtains, the heat from the sun will also help reduce moisture levels inside your home.

Use mold-resistant materials: The construction sector in the Middle East has adopted the usage of mold-resistant materials. You can use mold-resistant materials in areas that are most susceptible. These are usually made of moisture-resistant materials such as fiberglass. They work by preventing moisture absorption, which in turn controls mold growth.

Ensure proper cleaning: Ensure all surfaces are regularly cleaned and floors are vacuumed to eliminate any food that mold could thrive on. Mold also feeds on materials such as wood, paper, and cardboard, especially when wet so ensure these are disposed of properly.

There are two important things to remember about mold:

Prevent it by doing things right the first time. When you do face mold, take care of it immediately. In case you have identified mold in your indoor space it is best to get a certified mold removal/remediation company to address the issue. With a complex cleaning and removal process, mold is not removed by just using a potent cleaning agent. The process is a scientifically designed process involving a full containment of the affected area and removal of mold as per professional guidelines.

The Mold removal/remediation process should include four key elements:

1. Identifying and correcting the cause of the contamination.

2. Controlling the contaminated area to prevent the mold from spreading.

3. Removing the source of the mold - i.e. contaminated dust, debris, or other unwanted materials.

4. Treating the affected areas with an antimicrobial agent, if necessary.

Professional companies will offer an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) test to determine that the mold spores have been removed from the indoor space after the mold removal process is complete. The test is a method to ensure that the problem has been eradicated from its source. If not removed from its source, there is a high likelihood of the mold reoccurring.

About the Author

Abhayraj Singh Raghav is the General Manager of Tanziif LLC, a Specialised Cleaning Company based out of Dubai, UAE. He is a Certified Mold Remediator (CMR) from the Professional Mold Inspection Institute(PMII), the USA, and a certified Data Center Cleaning Specialist (DCCS).