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How to use Wave Mini as a
Mold risk indicator!

What is
mould?

mold-icon-white

Mould is a microscopic fungus that helps nature decompose dead organic material. Both mould and mildew are different types of fungus, but mould is usually shades of black, blue, red, and green, whereas mildew is white.

Why is
mould important?

Mould spores are invisible to the naked eye, and there are many different types. Some have beneficial by products such as yeasts and penicillin, while others live off of food products and the building materials in our home1.

WHITE_SPORE

Mould spores are invisible to the naked eye, and there are many different types. Some have beneficial by products such as yeasts and penicillin, while others live off of food products and the building materials in our home1.

Mould is important to our ecosystems as it helps break down organic material, but mould in your home can lead to property damage and health issues.

WHITE_APPLE

Mould is important to our ecosystems as it helps break down organic material, but mould in your home can lead to property damage and health issues.

Mould and
your health

The fungi produce allergens (substances which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals). Inhaling or touching mold spores may provoke bodily reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Mould exposure can also irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs2.

lungs (1)-1

The fungi produce allergens (substances which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals). Inhaling or touching mold spores may provoke bodily reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Mould exposure can also irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs2.

Of the 21.8 million people reported to have asthma in the U.S., approximately 4.6 million cases are estimated to be attributable to dampness and mould exposure in the home according to the EPA3.

In fact, a survey reported that 42% of asthma sufferers found mould to be a trigger4.

ASTHMA PUMP (1)-1

Of the 21.8 million people reported to have asthma in the U.S., approximately 4.6 million cases are estimated to be attributable to dampness and mould exposure in the home according to the EPA3.

In fact, a survey reported that 42% of asthma sufferers found mould to be a trigger4.

Mould and
home damage

Mould spores are like seeds, but invisible to the naked eye, that float through the air and deposit on surfaces. When the temperature, moisture, and available nutrient conditions are correct, the pores can form into new visible mould colonies where they are deposited5.

Mould needs moisture to grow, so the humidity levels in your home are a factor to consider. Excess humidity can lead to dampness and mould. Under the right conditions, mould can grow anywhere in the home and will destroy the material of which it grows on. Mould will grow more rapidly on some material types than others, in particular wood, textiles and cellulose based materials like cardboard and paper.

FLOOR-BOARDS-WHITE (1)

Mould is a natural part of our ecosystem. But when household mould growth gets out of hand it can affect the health of both the home and your family. However, every individual is different and some are more susceptible to the negative effects.

In order to limit exposure one should monitor air quality, particularly temperature and humidity levels, as these interact to provide the best conditions for mould growth.

How does
mould grow?

Mould grows by increasing its length of hyphae which look like long, microscopic strings.

In this way, a small colony of mould can grow to cover large surface areas. In order to grow, mould also releases small seed-like spores. When they are released, they are carried through the air or water to a new location6.

 

If spores land on a damp surface where nutrients are available to eat and the temperature suits them7, they will start to grow their hyphae. Mould spreads on the surface and also downwards into the affected area.

SPORE-WHITE (1)

 

How can I verify
if my house has mould?

garage
wave-blue

Monitor humidity and other key
contaminants with airthings detectors

Sources:
  1. https://www.apawood.org/buildabetterhome
  2. http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/43325/E92645.pdf
  3. https://www2.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/EETD-mold-risk.html
  4. https://www2.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/EETD-mold-risk.html
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_mold
  6. https://www.epa.gov/sites/productio/documents/moldguide12.pdf
  7. https://www.apawood.org/buildabetterhome
  8. https://www.roseburg.com/UserFiles/Library/Mold_and_mildew.pdf
  9. http://www.euro.who.int/pdf_file/0017/43325/E92645.pdf
  10. https://www.epa.gov/sites/productio/documents/moldguide12.pdf
  11. http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/43325/E92645.pdf
  12. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf