{"id":11752,"date":"2019-02-07T11:40:43","date_gmt":"2019-02-07T10:40:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.gsa-messgeraete.de\/measure-mold-infestation\/"},"modified":"2025-05-05T11:50:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T09:50:57","slug":"measure-mold-infestation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.gsa-messgeraete.de\/en\/measure-mold-infestation\/","title":{"rendered":"Measure mold infestation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Measure mold infestation after the first signs are visible
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It is difficult to recognize mould infestation at first. In<\/strong> some cases, mould infestation<\/strong> must be measured<\/strong> in order to identify potential hazards. As soon as you notice characteristic features, the infestation is often already well advanced. These include visible discoloration (white\/green\/black\/yellow areas) or the typical “musty” smell, which quickly returns even after intensive ventilation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

There are various self-tests available on the market, but these give a rough guide value for exposure rather than a precise analysis. To obtain this, it is advisable to contact qualified laboratories. The GSA Gesellschaft f\u00fcr Schadstoffanalytik<\/a> is also active in measuring mold infestation<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samples are taken and analyzed (quantitatively and\/or qualitatively) on site in close cooperation with a partner laboratory. The respective method (material sample, swab sample, room air measurement<\/strong>, etc.) depends on the specific infestation situation<\/strong> and its cause. Therefore, good advice is required in advance, gladly via the contact field Contact<\/a>.

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What is mold? – definition
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The term “mold” is used colloquially to refer to various molds as well as other biological organisms. The term “mold” primarily refers to spoiled food and animal feed. However, coatings and discolorations that can be found on various building materials – usually indoors – are also referred to as “mould”.
Characteristic of moulds is the mycelium, a network of microscopically small fungal threads, so-called hyphae. These only grow at the ends and spread out in a circle. In addition, spore carriers (sporangia<\/em>; used for reproduction) are formed during growth. These harbor the fungal spores, which are released into the surrounding air and carried away by the air movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Molds<\/strong> are ubiquitous. Some types of mold are harmful to health, but the opposite is true and they are used in food production and medicine. Probably the most famous example of this is the brush mold Penicillum<\/em>, the basis of antibiotics. There is also “good” mold in the food sector, for example in cheese or sausage production.
However, the negative effects of mold infestation are usually thought of first. Almost all molds produce airborne spores that can enter the respiratory tract and trigger allergic reactions.
Some species produce highly effective toxins (mycotoxins) or can cause infections (mycosis) in weakened people. Mold infestation can also cause serious damage to the fabric of buildings, furniture and other household items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mold at home<\/strong> – origin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How can mold develop in the home? Depending on the climatic conditions, a certain amount of spores is already naturally present in the air and is almost omnipresent as a so-called background concentration.
However, in order to trigger mold growth, various conditions must be met simultaneously, so there is no “one” cause.
First of all, an intact spore must find a suitable breeding ground. Furthermore, a high humidity of at least 60% is required in the immediate vicinity. This can be caused by structural defects (e.g. condensation due to thermal bridges, improper insulation, etc.) or by moisture damage (burst pipes, damp walls or ceilings due to continuous moisture ingress from outside). If the temperature is also between 15 and 25 \u00b0Celsius, this significantly favors the spread of the infestation. Molds prefer organic materials such as wood, textiles, insulating materials, dust or plaster as a breeding ground. Commonly known is food mold in the kitchen or so-called mold stains or black mold in other living spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What danger does mold pose?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the species, the spores are 2-20\u00b5m in size and spread over a large area in the air. In this way, they enter the lungs via the respiratory tract and can cause irritation or other respiratory problems.
However, the health problems associated with a mold infestation are often very unspecific.
The symptoms<\/strong> are varied and include, among others: <\/p>\n\n\n\n