What Does
Mold Growth Mean?
Mold growth occurs when mold is allowed to expand beyond its origins. Mold growth can be exponential because as more mold forms, more spores are released by the new mold. The cycle can continue until the mold growth has completely covered every surface that will support it.
Controlling mold growth is important from a health, aesthetic and a corrosion standpoint. For people with mold allergies or sensitive respiratory systems, this can cause severe breathing issues. Aesthetically, mold and mold growth are undesirable. From a corrosion standpoint, mold can increase the likelihood of localized oxidation.
Corrosionpedia Explains Mold Growth
Mold is a type of fungi, which, being an organism cannot form in areas that do not support life. Mold growth has four main requirements in order for it to occur:
- An original source of mold. This mold provides the spores necessary for additional mold to form.
- A way for the mold spores to travel about freely. This typically means some sort of airflow without barriers.
- A source of water, because water is what supports organic matter.
- A food source. Many types of organic matter can feed the mold and sustain mold growth.
Preventing mold growth can be performed through a variety of means. Typically, the first way to prevent mold growth is to control the moisture level. This can mean ensuring that surfaces are dry where mold growth is a concern. It can also mean controlling the humidity. Mold must also have the appropriate temperature to grow. If it is possible to maintain an environment that is too cold or too hot for mold, then the growth is impeded. Chemicals such as fungicides can be used to prevent mold growth if they are powerful enough to prevent the formation of organic matter.