Saprophytic is the fungus most common on roofs and walls.It is absolutely an essential part of our ecosystem, while some species are responsible for serious diseases in plants, animals and sometimes human, without it the entire planet would die! Fungus is a global structure, so when you removing fungus without using a high pressure water wash, right temperature and sometimes none toxic chemicals from your building; even if you think you killed it, All you really did is scrape a few cells off of this global structure.

From our perspective we don’t notice it as much growing on the bark of a tree or in the soil as we do on a freshly painted wall or roof.

Fungi are a group of organisms that exist as a vast network of tiny threads growing in and out of all kinds of organic matter.

As they grow, the threads secrete enzymes that break down the substances around them, releasing nutrients into the environment. Without fungi, the

world would be completely covered with organic debris that would not rot, and nutrients would not be available for plant growth. All plants would die.

Fungus: The invisible fungal structure may be extremely large, often extending for miles as, for example, the occurring in the north-central United States. Weighs roughly 11 tons and occupies over 37 acres. Scientists have determined this fungus is more than 1500 years old, it is one of the oldest and largest organisms on earth, and its mostly underground, so don’t plan your vacations around it.

Mold: also spelled mould, in biology, a conspicuous mass of mycelium (masses of vegetative filaments) and fruiting structures produced by various fungi (division Mycota).Fungi of the genera Aspergillus (httpss://www.aspergillus.org.uk/), Penicillium, and Rhizopus form mold and are associated with food spoilage and plant diseases. Slime molds have almost no fossil record. Not only do slime molds produce few resistant structures (except for spores, which are often overlooked or unidentifiable, but they live in moist terrestrial habitats, such as on decaying wood or fresh cow dung, where their potential for preservation is low. Some fossil slime molds have been found in amber.

Fungi also cause a number of plant and animal diseases: in humans, ringworm athlete’s foot, and several more serious diseases are caused by fungi.

Because of the rarity of the few fungal pathogens that can infect people, the general public has little knowledge of these some times fatal diseases, and it is something with which they should be aware. The diseases of warm-blooded animals caused by fungi are known as mycoses (sing=mycosis).

Although such diseases are relatively few, the fungi that cause them have a wide host as well as geographical range. Most of these diseases are not fatal, but once contracted, they may forever be a source of constant irritation and can lead to permanent scaring,

Do molds affect my health?

Most molds do not harm healthy people. But people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. Sensitive people may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion and aggravation of asthma or difficulty breathing. People with an immune suppression or underlying lung disease, may be at increased risk for infections from molds. A small number of molds produce toxins called mycotoxins. When people are exposed to high levels of mold mycotoxins they may suffer toxic effects, including fatigue, nausea, headaches, and irritation to the lungs and eyes. If you or your family members have health problems that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should consult with your physician.

How can I be exposed to mold?

When molds are disturbed, their spores may be released into the air. You then can be exposed to the spores through the air you breathe. Also, if you directly handle moldy materials, you can be exposed to mold and mold spores through contact with your skin. Eating moldy foods or hand-to-mouth contact after handling moldy materials is yet another way you may be exposed.

Mold Removal

Mold can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When too much moisture builds up in your property, mold will sprout, especially if the moisture problem remains unseen or neglected. Mold removal, decontamination and abatement are tricky procedures. If they are not carried out carefully, mold is likely to recur.

Can cleaning up mold be hazardous to my health?

Yes. Mold spore counts are more than a 1000 times higher than background levels during the cleaning of moldy materials.

  1. If cleaning indoors/outdoor, use a mask or respirator to protect you from breathing airborne spores.
  2. Wear protective safety gear & clothing that is easily cleaned or discarded.
  3. Ask bystanders to leave areas when being cleaned.
  4. Wash hands and face.