Sick Building Syndrome

Mold can appear in almost any living space-new or old, in a house or an apartment. This is not necessarily related to flooding or obvious dampness. Most often, the process begins gradually, in inconspicuous areas where moisture lingers slightly longer than it should and air movement is minimal: behind furniture, near windowsills, in window seals, under household appliances. At first glance, these zones seem safe, but it is precisely here that conditions form in which fungi and actinomycetes maintain stable activity.

Actinomycetes are a group of Gram-positive bacteria that occupy an intermediate position between bacteria and fungi. They form branched filamentous structures resembling mold mycelium and are capable of producing spores. While many species of actinomycetes are found in nature and play a role in the decomposition of organic matter, some strains can be pathogenic and pose a health risk when they begin to proliferate in the indoor environment.

We’ve talked a lot about mold and how important it is to prevent its spread in the home. Mold is indeed one of the most serious threats to our health, but the problem doesn’t end there. Recent research shows that we shouldn’t only be talking about mold, but about a broader issue — homes affected by water damage.