How Mold Spreads
Molds reproduce asexually and spread by ejecting microscopic mold spores into the atmosphere around them. If the mold is growing in an area where air is circulating, then there is a high possibility that the mold spores will get carried away throughout the indoor air.
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Mold spores can lie dormant for extended periods of time, and will come "back to life" when activated by water. Because of this, spores can infect a building and become a health hazard very quickly as they find an abundant supply of nutrients in building materials.
Air circulators, HVAC Systems, fans, or any other machines that move indoor air are prone to trap moisture and in time act as a breeding ground for the spreading of mold growth and an incubator for bacteria. The increased levels of mold colonies provide the nutrients and a vehicle for widespread bacterial proliferation.
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The majority of Toxic Mold spores are .3 microns and smaller in size. The filters most commonly used in HVAC systems are 18% effective at .5 microns (meaning they only trap 18% of the airborne particles that are .5 microns and smaller). HEPA Filters are 99.99% effective at .3 microns. HEPA Filtration systems help to remove particles from indoor air, but cannot be depended upon to keep a building contaminant free.
Cross contamination (the contamination of a "clean" environment by a "contaminated" environment) can occur whenever an animal, person, or object moves from a contaminated environment into a clean environment. The microscopic mold spores of a contaminated environment can settle on clothing, skin, items, and even in hair and will be transported from one location to another. This is a major concern and MUST be taken very seriously.
