Although mold and fungus can be interchangeably used, each one has its own distinct characteristics. Both can be dangerous for your health and your home, regardless of how they differ. It is why homeowners take extra care to get rid of them.
What is the difference? Markham Services has created this article to help you identify, distinguish, and remove mold and fungus from your home.
Where do they come from?
Understanding the difference between mold and fungal is key to understanding how and where they came.
Fungi is the kingdom that includes mold and fungus. Mold is just one type of fungus. The cell structure is the main difference. Multicellular mold is more common than multicellular fungi.
Because it aids in the breakdown and decay of organic matter such as animals or plants, Fungi is essential in our daily lives. It can spread through the air around us.
It works with bacteria to convert organic materials into nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon. These nutrients are then released into the atmosphere. It creates natural fertilizer by spreading these nutrients throughout the soil. Many grasses and trees would die if they didn’t have fungi.
Mold and fungus are derived from other molds or fungi. There are many other fungal spores that can be seen but not visible to the naked eye. Spores can travel in many ways and can be carried by people, animals, or wind. Spores can multiply and grow in warm and damp places. Depending on the type, they can also reproduce sexually or asexually.
There are three main types of fungi
There are many types of fungi, but three main types are most common.
Mold
Mold is distinguished from fungus by its cellular nature. Mold will always be multicellular, unlike fungus. They are invisible to the naked eye and grow from mold spores. However, if given the right environment it can multiply and become easily visible.
Mold thrives in humid and damp environments, which can be a problem and cause for concern. Mold testing palm coast is beneficial for nature but can also cause damage to your home and building structures.
Mold, like all living organisms needs food to survive. Mold can also be found on surfaces in your home such as walls, ceilings, and floorboards. Mold removal can be a tedious and difficult process.
Mold can grow on any surface in your home. Mold can reproduce on anything in the home, including clothing, walls, food and hidden dark spots.
It can be costly and time-consuming. If left unattended, household members can experience skin irritations, allergic reactions, or worse, may come in contact with toxic toxins.
Although it can be difficult to control mold at home it can have many beneficial effects. Without molds, penicillin and other medications would not have been developed. Similar with cheese and cured meats.
While it may be useful in other areas, it is not necessary for your home. You must be alert for signs of mold early on and stop it from growing.
Yeast
Yeast can be eaten as a form of fungi. Like mold yeast, yeast was revolutionary in the discovery and production of many foods and beverages that we now enjoy, such as beer and bread. Unicellular yeast reproduces sexually and is not like mold.
Because a single cell can create multiple cells, it blooms. It buds and forms new cell attachments. The cell eventually disintegrates and can grow by itself.
Fermentation is the process by which yeast is used to make ethanol, wine and beer. We have made it possible to make yeast on a large scale for many purposes as technology has improved. But having yeast can be dangerous in your home.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be described as fungi that reproduce by fruiting. Only the part we identify as the mushroom is part of a larger structure that also includes a hidden part. The fruit is rich in spores, which are essential for reproducing mushrooms.
The spores can be found in the tubs, slits or gills under the mushroom. It is carried by wind and spreads to other animals. The spores stay as they are until they reach their intended environment. This is usually found on stumps or dead trees. The ideal environment for mushrooms is one that is dark and moist.
Preventing Fungal Growth
Mold is simply a type fungus. Both come from the same source but mold is only one type of fungus. Most likely, you will find different types of mold in your home. They are usually not noticeable and often harmless.
Molds can become a serious problem if they aren’t already in your home. Molds are invisible spores that can be spread to any environment. You can stop its growth.
Mold can be carried by animals and humans. Mold won’t reproduce if humidity is lower in your home.
You should ensure that your bathroom has enough space for air circulation, clean up any liquids spilled, and dry it. You already know where to stop mold growth, as they thrive in low-light environments.