Mold Ecology
Page 2
Mold grows on organic materials which includes the things that
we use to make our homes and buildings. Mold spores, which might be referred to
as mold seeds, are almost everywhere.
Mold will grow if moisture is present. Generally, if the relative humidity is
above about 70 percent, there will be enough moisture for mold to grow. Keeping
materials dry is the only practical method to prevent mold growth.
It only takes about 24 to 48 hours for a mold infestation to develop. Mold
growth occurs slowly at first, and then multiplies rapidly. For example, at the
beginning is goes from 2 to 4 to 8, 16, 32 and after a while is going from 400
to 800 to 1600, 3200, 6400. Frequently, the material will get wet, mold growth
will start, then the surface dries and the mold goes dormant without a problem
ever being observed. The next time the surface gets wet, the mold growth
continues from its previous stage, appearing to multiply very rapidly.