List of Common Causes – Biotoxin Foundation

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Below is a list of common causes of mold inside your home:

Persistent humidity: if you live in a state or area where humidity is consistently high, mold will be a problem. This type of mold likely grows on walls, ceilings, in dark closets, under the kitchen sink, and other areas. Mold caused by humidity is particularly common if you live near the ocean or a large body of water, which can also be worsened by a lack of sufficient ventilation. Moisture build-up in the air indoors could increase mold growth.
Leaking pipes: This is one of the most common causes of mold behind drywall and in under-sink cupboards. Leaking pipes can also add to ceiling and wall mold. If you notice a build up of mold, checking your pipes would be a natural option!
Leaking roof: Natural wear and tear or severe weather conditions can quickly lead to a leaky roof and a build up of mold in your home. A slow, undetected leak can create a build up of moisture in your ceiling or attic, leading to mold in your walls and ceiling boards.
Condensation: In areas where temperatures can drop considerably, some homes may experience a build up of condensation on cold surfaces. Some of these cold surfaces include metal piping, concrete surfaces, floor tiles, and even brick walls. If you notice condensation is a problem, make sure your rooms have decent ventilation. Otherwise, condensation is excellent real estate for mold spores and mold growth.
Poor ventilation: Stagnant air throughout your home is one of the best environments for mold growth. Steam created by appliances, cooking, and bathing creates humidity in your home, leaving surfaces damp and sticky. Wiping down dampness after such activities will reduce/remove the likelihood of mold growth.
Damp and wet clothing: Did you know mold only needs 24 hours to grow and proliferate? If you’ve done a wash and forgot to hang it up to dry or move it to the dryer for a full day or more, mold will already begin to grow. This is particularly true during the warm months of the year, contributing to the growth of mold in your home. Remember to hang your washing immediately or put it in the dryer quickly.
Home flooding: One of the most unfortunate realities of a home flooding is mold growth. It could take your home days or weeks to completely dry out, which means it’s a feast for mold. This kind of environment is also best—as it were—for the growth of a dangerous, toxic mold known as Stachybotrys chartarum. After your home has completely dried out, it is highly recommended that you bring in a mold cleaning expert to test for mold and to do a thorough inspection.
Damp basement: A basement is below ground level, exposing it to higher levels of moisture. They also often contain greater levels of humidity due to poor ventilation or lack of circulation of air. This frequently creates dampness and increased humidity, leading to mold growth. Water leaks from the home above may also accumulate in the basement. It’s best to do frequent maintenance checks of the basement, placing a dehumidifier and other methods to reduce dampness and humidity in your basement.
Foundation dampness: Foundation dampness happens when the slope of the yard has been made in such a way that the water does not drain away from your home, you might have a problem on your hands. Rainwater and garden moisture can slowly trickle and pool around the foundation of your home, adding to the growth of mold on the walls. Drains can be dug out to direct water away from your foundation, or a landscaping expert can adjust the slope of your yard.
Leaking air-conditioning system: Most homes have an air conditioning system, which can bring with it mold, the type known as Mucor. Mucor is an allergenic type of mold which quickly grows into thick, white patches below leaking systems or condensation build up. Check your air conditioning piping, duct and filters, to ensure no leaks or build up of moisture.