MOLD Microenvironments surrounding the indoor ecosystem also have the potential to affect the air quality of occupied spaces. Microenvironments include interior and exterior wall cavities, ceiling spaces, air-handling systems and crawlspaces. Unlike plants, mold does not need light to grow; dark, damp environments with insufficient airflow are the perfect environment. The living physical environment includes people, pets, rodents, insects, spiders, mites, fungi and bacteria. Together, these living entities produce proteins, enzymes, glucans, endotoxins, mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds. The typical environment is a combination of living and dead microorganisms. Mold needs four conditions to grow: 1. Mold spores must be present 2. Nutrients must be available 3. The temperature range must be between 40 and 100 degrees 4. Relative humidity near that surface must be 70% or more When moisture is present, mold uses organic sources as nutrients. Mold can’t manufacture its own nutrients. It uses available compounds like starches, sugars, cellulose and more. Where does mold find these? In building materials like wood products, fabrics, dust, paints, adhesives, vinyls and more. When nutrients and moisture are present, mold can grow anywhere—even on inorganic materials such as glass, metal, plastics, or concrete. Conditions of Mold Condition 1 It is considered natural for an indoor environment to have settled spores, fungal fragments or traces of actual growth. Condition 1 is consistent with normal fungal ecology for similar indoor environments. Condition 2 When water damage occurs through intrusion, humidity, accumulation or other moisture source, it is essential that climate control, cleaning and maintenance begin immediately. If proper steps are not initiated, the ensuing accumulation of settled spores will result in Condition 2. Condition 3 This is an indoor environment that’s contaminated with actual mold growth and associated spores. That growth can be active or dormant, visible or hidden. With a Condition 3, a professional remediator must physically remove contamination from the structure and contents to return them to condition 1. Attempts to kill or otherwise control mold are not adequate to solve the problem. Remediation Remediated structures, systems and contents can be considered clean when: Contamination or unrestorable contaminated materials and debris have been removed Surfaces are visibly free of dust Remediated areas are free of odors associated with microorganisms At this point, it is probable that the structure, systems and contents have been returned to Condition 1. 33