When are mold spore counts usually the highest?

There is no “peak” in mold spores due to their general prevalence throughout most of the year, but the highest levels are typically observed from midsummer to late fall. During winter months, outdoor mold spores reduce significantly – especially during snow cover.

How do you calculate mold count?

To measure pollen and mold counts, researchers use air sampling equipment to collect airborne pollen and mold spores over a 24-hour period, according to the National Allergy Bureau. Then, they use a microscope to examine the sample and determine the type and concentration of pollen and mold spores present in the air.

What is a moderate mold count?

Molds. Mold produces spores that move, like pollen, in outdoor air during warmer months. 1 to 6,499 is a low spore count. 6,500 to 12,999 is a moderate spore count. 13,000 to 49,999 is a high spore count.

Why is the mold count so high?

Mold can collect in cool, damp places (like basements and bathrooms) any time of the year. Outside, humid weather can cause high mold concentrations, especially during summer. You can check mold counts in your area online through the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

What time of day is mold the worst?

“Dry air” spores (xenophilic) such as Cladosporium or Alternaria release the most spores during the afternoon hours when the weather conditions are hot and dry. “Wet air” spores (hydrophilic), such as Ascospores and Basidiospores release the largest numbers of spores during pre-dawn hours when there is high humidity.

What is an acceptable level of penicillium aspergillus mold?

200-500 spores – the most common species (Penicillium/Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Curvularia) are typically not an issue and stay within the normal range. 500-1500 spores – sometimes the Penicillium/Aspergillus & Cladosporium levels are in this range and do not require remediation.

How do you tell if mold is making you sick?

What Are The Symptoms of Mold Sickness?

• Wheezing/shortness of breath.
• Rash.
• Watery eyes.
• Runny nose.
• Itchy eyes.
• Coughing.
• Redness of the eyes.
• Long standing or frequent sinusitis.

What are signs of mold toxicity?

If you’re sensitive to mold, you may experience the following symptoms:

• sneezing.
• nasal congestion.
• runny nose.
• skin rash.
• itching.
• watery eyes.
• asthma.
• chest tightness.

How quickly can mold make you sick?

These spores proliferate quickly and can take hold in places with poor ventilation and high humidity in less than 24 hours. The problem starts when you inhale these spores. They produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins that can produce an immune response in some individuals and actually extremely toxic themselves.

How do I get rid of penicillium aspergillus mold?

1. Rake around the perimeter of your home and remove as much decaying organic material as you can.
2. Mix a weak bleach solution and wipe down every single surface in your home with the weak bleach.
3. Remove all sources of water or dampness in your home, to remove possible breeding grounds for molds such as aspergillus.

What causes high mold count?

Mold can collect in cool, damp places (like basements and bathrooms) any time of the year. Outside, humid weather can cause high mold concentrations, especially during summer.

Do you have normal mold levels for various types of mold?

Thank you. Answer: Currently there are no widely accepted normal airborne mold levels. Although no exposure standards have been established that relate health effects to specific airborne mold levels, there are concerns from public health agencies regarding exposure to mold.

What causes mold spores outside?

Mold may appear on the outside of your home’s walls if they are consistently damp due to rain, excessive shade or high humidity. Green mold may be indicative of Cladosporium , Aspergillus or Penicillium mold. Not only does mold look unsightly, but it can eat away at your paint and damage it while releasing potentially hazardous spores into the air.

What are airborne mold spores?

Airborne Fungal Spores. Fungal spores and especially mold spores are a normal component of the outdoor air. They are microscopic structures that function as “seeds” to allow fungi to reproduce.

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