Mold Growth Conditions
Mold also grows optimally in warmer conditions and flourishes the best between 77 to 86 f 25 to 30 c.
Mold growth conditions. Optimum temperatures for growth may range between 15 and 30 c. Humidity is another condition that can encourage mold growth. Mold spores a food source eg wood drywall cotton darkness mold can t grow under ultraviolet light warmth mold can t grow in freezing temperatures oxygen moisture eg water leaks humidity enough time most molds can begin to grow in 24 48 hours if the conditions are right. Mold grows well on paper products cardboard ceiling tiles and wood products.
Air is readily available everywhere so that condition for mold growth is always met. Mold grow best in warm temperatures 77 to 86 f 25 to 30 c although growth may occur between 32 and 95 f 0 and 35 c. That s why indoor mold growth is usually found in basements and bathrooms and in other places after plumbing leaks and floods. Warmth like most growing things many molds prefer warmth and grow faster in warm conditions.
Two ways a homeowner can decrease the humidity in the home is by increasing ventilation and buying a dehumidifier. Most places in your home are probably too dry to grow mold but some areas may not be. The amount of humidity in an area can be reduced by introducing cooler air such as through the use of a fan or. Condensation on or around windows can be an indication that your home s moisture levels are too high.
The most dangerous materials mold loves to grow on are porous materials beds couches etc. In humid areas the air is filled more heavily with moisture which makes the environment more susceptible to mold growth even if the area does not have leaks or other accumulated water. Its often impossible to remove mold growth from these items. Mold can also grow in dust paints wallpaper insulation drywall carpet fabric and.
Mold needs these conditions before it can begin to grow in a home. Although a tight wrapper promotes moisture retention which encourages mold airborne mold can spread through the air to land and grow on unwrapped bread. However some moulds such as chaetomium thermophilum and penicillium dupontii are thermophilic i e they can grow at 45 c or higher and fail to grow below 20 c. Molds are very common in buildings and homes.
Temperatures from about 70 90 degrees are the most conducive for mold growth. Optimum temperatures mold spores thrive in temperatures 32 and 120 degrees fahrenheit. But if those spores land somewhere dry they can t grow because one of the growth conditions it requires is not available.