Causes of fungus
The main reason for mold on the wall in an apartment is high humidity (about sixty percent) and dampness. For its appearance, it is enough to have a damp wall or a room in which dampness reigns constantly.
The main reasons for high humidity:
- pinpoint leaks (for example, from a tap);
- freezing of the surface of walls, windows, etc.;
- poor ventilation.
Conditions of appearance
Mold spores are very small, invisible to the naked eye. They are found everywhere around us - in the air, soil, on plants and objects, and are easily transported with air masses.
Where mold lives depends on the type of fungus. One prefers plants, another prefers wood, and the third prefers cereals. But the reasons for the appearance of mold are the same for all fungi. Once the spores find themselves in favorable conditions, they begin to actively reproduce.
Mold is formed due to factors such as:
- presence of a nutrient medium;
- high humidity;
- lack of air circulation;
- comfortable temperature.
As for the last point, for most fungi a temperature of +18…22⁰С is comfortable. However, some varieties in a moist nutrient medium can reproduce even at temperatures slightly above 0⁰C.
Types of mold
Many have seen live or photographed mold on walls and noticed that it can be different in color and structure. Before we talk about how to get rid of mold on walls, let’s look at the types of mold:
Aspergillus niger is a black mold that can live on various building materials (concrete, plaster, whitewash). Penetrating into the structure of the material, it gradually destroys it.
This type of mold is resistant to cold and occurs even in abandoned rooms. This mold can lead to aspergillosis, which manifests itself in allergic reactions.
Penicillium is a blue-green mold that is less harmful than black mold, but can also cause allergies.
Fusarium – white and brown in color, harmful to plants.
Serpula lacrymans is a fluffy white coating. It grows on wood; this mold is dangerous both for wooden surfaces and for humans.
What is mold and how to spot it in your home
Mold (popularly also called fungus) is one of the oldest organisms on our planet. Even cockroaches will envy its vitality, because it is known that mold spores do not tolerate the lowest temperatures, and they can travel in space without losing their basic functions. However, they need warmth and high humidity to develop. Mold that has already grown in such conditions feels great in the cold.
The basis of mold is mycelium (or mycelium), which attaches to the surface and penetrates deep into its structure. Therefore, organic matter, such as wood, becomes the most favorable soil for mold. But the fungus also develops well on stone surfaces, penetrating microcracks. What you see on the outside - a slippery dark coating, growths, fluff - is just the tip of the iceberg. Even if you wipe these formations with special care, you will very soon see them again.
When you look very closely, such as through a microscope, you can see what mold actually looks like. These are many thin long threads, at the ends of which there are tiny balls. It is in them that spores ripen - mold seeds, which are very dangerous for people and animals. They fly out during flowering, when the balls burst.
When greatly magnified, mold looks like many thin threads with balls at the ends
You can understand that mold has already penetrated into your home by some external signs:
- Food begins to spoil very quickly. This is especially noticeable on baked goods due to their specific coating and smell. Dairy products quickly turn sour or go bad for no apparent reason.
- The air in the rooms becomes stale, heavy, and it is difficult for them to breathe. It looks like the house hasn't been aired for a long time.
- The humidity is noticeably high. This is clearly visible in the condition of linen, towels and other textiles: things do not seem to dry completely, they remain damp and cold.
- The condition of the residents is deteriorating for no apparent reason. Sneezing, runny nose, and intense cough appear; eyes often water. Redness or inflammation appears on the skin, accompanied by itching. It may even lead to hair loss.
- Specific smell. It occurs when, during the growth of mold, many spores are sent freely flying through the air in a room. You simply inhale them.
Mold most often appears on baked goods
Well, if you find visible signs of mold - that same plaque - it means that the fungus has already settled in your home, and it’s time to take drastic measures.
Mold removal
Let's get acquainted with the remedies for mold that forms on the walls. In order to get rid of white and green mold you need to:
- Make a soapy solution of water with the addition of bleach and wipe the surface with mold stains with it;
- If you cannot remove mold with a rag, you can use a brush or mesh for washing dishes;
- Soak the area to be treated with the chemical by applying it in a thick layer. If necessary, you can repeat the procedure.
Treatment with a chemical solution will make the surface unsuitable for the appearance and existence of fungus.
Types of molds
Today, science knows about 300 species, among which three genera are the best studied and are of the greatest interest to science and human economic activity:
- yeast;
- mukor;
- aspergillus;
- penicillin.
Yeast
Yeast consists of a single cell in the shape of a ball. Most of these microscopic fungi have lost the ability to form mycelium. This may be due to their life and reproduction in sugar-rich nutrient fluids.
The usual size of yeast cells is 3-7 microns in diameter. The method of reproduction inherent in this species is budding. Initially, a small bulge appears on one of the mature adult cells. Then it increases in size until it turns into an independent cell, which subsequently separates from the mother one. Cells that bud resemble chains.
The areas of use of this type of mushroom are wide and varied:
- They are easy to grow and completely unpretentious: they can even be grown on agricultural waste. The cultivated yeast enriches animal feed and human food.
- They are necessary for research in molecular biology and biochemistry.
- They are used in cooking, especially for creating homemade starters for baking.
Fungus remedies
Let's look at how you can treat walls against mold, depending on the type. Suitable for green and white:
- PS 50 – suitable for plaster and drywall;
- Boramon C30 – ideal for processing wooden surfaces;
- Mellerud – suitable for concrete, wood, plaster and wallpaper.
To combat black you can use:
- Belinka – eliminates black and other types of mold;
- Well Done - suitable for treating plaster, tiles, and surfaces coated with oil paint.
- Astonish - can be used to process plastics and ceramics without damaging the surface.
Important: When working with chemicals, use a respirator and gloves. Wear long sleeves. Open the window for ventilation.
How to fight at home
Options for fighting at home:
- Moisten the affected areas with water. This prevents the spores from becoming airborne.
- Wear gloves. Apply drugs that neutralize the fungus. Coat with a margin of 1 m - in areas where it is hidden. Treat 2-3 times after the previous layer has dried. Follow the instructions for the drug.
- Use a wire brush to remove the fungus. Remove paint, wallpaper, plaster. Wood and concrete are cleaned using milling.
If fungal spores penetrate deeply, treatment will only eliminate the problem temporarily.
It is better to replace the affected fragment if possible.
- Burn infected residues after cleaning surfaces.
- Apply a protective coating to the entire area upon completion of work.
Before starting the fight, it is worth assessing the depth and severity of fungal damage to the room.
How are mushrooms used by humans?
Mold is required in many fields of activity, especially in pharmacology, medicine and the food industry. It is necessary to create an antibiotic - penicillin - one of the most important antibiotics obtained from penicillum. When mold is treated with chemical mutagens, new forms are obtained - ancomycetes. They produce antibiotics in large quantities.
Interesting!
In pharmacology, statins are created from mold fungi - drugs that lower cholesterol levels and thereby prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis.
Equally relevant is the use of yeast in medicine:
- in dried form they are used to create dietary supplements and some medicines;
- from them a product with a general strengthening effect is made - Gephefitin;
- medications based on them help effectively combat allergic reactions;
- they serve as the basis for medications that normalize the gastrointestinal tract and relieve symptoms of diarrhea in children.
Unicellular and mold fungi play a particularly important role in agriculture. They take part in the mineralization of organic substances and contribute to the formation of humus - humus formed as a result of the decomposition of plant and animal remains. They are also able to process fiber, which ensures soil fertility and better harvests.
Prevention
To never encounter mold again, take preventive measures:
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- Regular ventilation.
- Systematic cleaning of rooms where humidity levels are high.
- Dry towels, washcloths and other cloths.
- Make sure that the plumbing does not leak.
- Do not let wet things sit for a long time; hang them up immediately.
- Pay attention to the trash can: wash and clean it in a timely manner.
The struggle must be comprehensive to achieve the desired result. In the photo you can see the consequences of mold in an apartment. It harms not only people, but also their property.
