Mold is a bacteria that can cause severe damage in the places where it grows and poses a severe threat to humans’ and animals’ well-being and health. Mold might not be everyone’s favorite topic, but it’s far more interesting than you might think.
Here are 10 fun facts about mold that will change the way you look at this ubiquitous and fascinating fungus.
1. Mold has been on Earth for millions of years.
Mold spores predate dinosaurs, making them some of the oldest organisms still surviving on the planet today. This deep history is a cornerstone fact about mold.
2. Cheese owes its flavors to mold.
Many types of cheeses, including Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Brie, rely on mold for their distinctive flavors and textures, highlighting a delicious fact about mold.
3. Mold can be a biofuel producer.
Researchers are exploring the potential of mold to produce biofuels, making it a key player in renewable energy sources. This is one of the more surprising 10 facts about mold.
4. Mold is a record breaker.
The largest living organism on Earth is a mold! The Armillaria ostoyae, or honey fungus, spreads across over 2,200 acres in Oregon’s Blue Mountains, showcasing the extensive reach of mold.
5. Mold in space.
Mold spores can survive the harsh conditions of outer space, which scientists discovered during experiments on the International Space Station. This is a stellar addition to any list of fun facts about mold.
6. Penicillin was discovered from mold.
In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic, which came from the Penicillium mold. This fact about mold has saved countless lives.
7. Mold can be an artist.
Some species of mold create patterns known as ‘mold art’ as they grow on various mediums, providing a visual feast and a unique fact about mold.
8. Mold helps decompose organic material.
Without mold, dead plants and animals would not decompose as efficiently, making mold essential to our ecosystem—a vital fact about mold.
9. Mold is a survivor.
Mold can grow in extreme environments, from arctic ice to desert sands, highlighting its incredible adaptability and resilience, a fascinating fact about mold.
Humidity Fuels Mold Growth
Any environment with high humidity levels is prone to mold and fungus growth. For this reason, it’s critical to ensure adequate ventilation in areas of your home frequently exposed to moisture, such as your bathroom, laundry room, mudroom, and kitchen. By adequately ventilating these areas, spores and mold can’t take root and start multiplying.
10. There are over 100,000 known mold species.
The variety and ubiquity of mold are astounding, making it a rich subject of study and a necessary inclusion in any top 10 facts about mold list.
Viable And Nonviable Mold
When it comes to mold, there are two types. Viable, and nonviable. Viable mold is a fungus that’s actively growing and has favorable conditions, including moisture and energy sources, for survival. Nonviable mold has stopped growing due to unfavorable conditions or lack of a food source.
Contact Doiggs Restoration For Mold Remediation In Rockwall, Texas
Although these facts are pretty fun, finding mold in your house is not.
Ordinary Cleaning Doesn’t Kill Off Mold
While a standard cleaning can remove visible mold from the surface, it isn’t enough to complete full mold remediation and eliminate it from your living area. Mold thrives in places like cracks, crevices, and raw materials, including wood and drywall.
When you discover mold in your home, “nipping the problem in the bud” is your best line of defense to avoid more significant issues down the road. Residential and commercial property owners in Rockwall, Texas, can rely on the mold removal experts at Doiggs Restoration for all of their mold remediation needs.