Location – some regions have a greater number of mold spores found in the air. Factors that affect this are:
- Humidity
- Amount of precipitation
- Temperature
- Windiness
- Number and type of plants and trees in the area
Time of Year - at different times of the year, there are climate and social factors that can increase the likelihood of mold growth. These factors can originate inside or outside of a property:
- Inside: During fall and winter, when it is colder, people tend to seal up their house and stay indoors, which traps moisture and humidity (humidity can be caused be more persons residing indoors and not allowing a property to “air-out”). This with the warmer temperatures brought on by furnaces, creates a more ideal environment for mold growth. Leaks from roofs, windows, walls, ceilings, or plumbing can dramatically increase the likelihood of mold growth if the moisture is allowed to sit for longer periods of time.
- Outside: During different time of the year there can be more or less mold in the air. In fall and winter when leaves fall to the ground, some plants die, and extra rainfall produces moisture, the decaying plant matter often releases a greater amount of mold into the air.
Household Plants – Certain plants attract the growth of mold, as the mold will feed off the plant matter or wetted soil. Dead or dying plants are more ideal for mold growth as mold plays a key role in the decomposition of organic matter. In addition, the presence of plants requiring wetted soil and water for their survival will increase the relative humidity indoors as much of this water evaporates into the air.
Plants around Property and Neighborhood – For similar reasons as stated above, a greater number of trees and plants will increase the likelihood of mold spores being present in the air. Some molds grow and feed off of living plants while many survive off of dead organic matter. These mold growths can release spores or mycotoxins into the air.
People – The more people there are living inside of a property, using the plumbing systems, sweating, breathing and coming or going increases the likelihood of mold growth and that there will be an increased number of mold spores in the air inside of a property. Use of plumbing, sweating, and breathing increases the relative humidity. Mold grows where this is moisture so this affects that likelihood. The process of coming or going from a property by its occupants increases the likelihood of additional spores being present in the air and mold growth as those occupants often bring back spores with them that become attached to their skin, hair, or clothing.
Indoor Pets – Pets, like humans, sweat and breath. These actions increase the relative humidity inside of a property, which increases the chances of mold growth. In addition, pets that are allowed outside can pickup organic matter and mold spores from the random terrains they travel through and bring them inside of a property.
Material taken from the HomeRight Restoration Services website: http://home-right.net/mold_information/faq.html#5