Mankind has long conquered mold fungi and uses them in both food and medicine. However, some types of mold can become a serious problem that negatively affects the health of people and pets. We have already written about this in this article.
The harmfulness of certain types of mold has been known for a long time. As early as the 6th century BC, the Assyrians used rye horns (Claviceps purpurea) as a “biological weapon”: they poisoned the water in the wells of their enemies.
In the Middle Ages, the same mold caused a disease in people that is now called ergotism. Its symptoms include epileptic seizures, a burning sensation, gangrene, and hallucinations. The disease is also called “St. Anthony’s Fire” because many people, hoping for a miraculous cure, made a pilgrimage to the Church of St. Anthony in France.
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Mold can grow very quickly, making it difficult to combat and easier to prevent. But how?
The life cycle of a mold fungus includes three main stages:
- In the form of spores in the air, mold can live for a long time – this depends on the type of fungus and the conditions.
- growth in favorable conditions – warm and humid environment.
- spore production – soon after growth begins, it fills the surrounding space with its spores, from which new generations of mold emerge.
The most effective way to avoid or at least minimize the occurrence of mold is to keep everything in the room dry and clean.
- Wipe surfaces dry after showering.
- Clean up spills as soon as possible.
- Ventilate after cooking or washing.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas.
- Make sure there are no leaks, especially in hard-to-reach or poorly ventilated areas.
- Ventilate the room. Open the windows every day to let fresh air circulate.
- Clean your bathroom regularly with antiseptic products.
- Turn on the ventilation system during the bath.
- Use shower curtains that prevent condensation.
Particular attention should be paid to air conditioners.
When the air conditioner is running in the cold, moisture is formed inside, which is discharged outside using the drainage system. When the air conditioner is not running, a warm environment is formed inside, which promotes the growth of mold.
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1 m2 of mold on the wall produces billions of spores per day, which fly around.
If mold settles in an air conditioner fan, a huge number of spores immediately fill the room,
settling on the walls, furniture, carpets, and food, and getting on the skin and into the lungs.
