In nature, molds help break down dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items. Molds produce microscopic cells called "spores" which are very tiny and spread easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions.

Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply:

• Moisture (daily – weekly watering)
• Nutrients
• Suitable place to grow such as spanish moss and sheet moss used in decorative covering in
plants, trees, i.e.: interiorscapes and plantscapes)

Of these, controlling mold by using ASPENmoss™ in place of spanish moss etc. on live indoor trees, is the key to preventing and stopping this type of indoor mold growth.

Mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, health problems can occur and building materials, goods and furnishings may be damaged.

Can mold or fungus spores make my family and me sick?

Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. Adults and children can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it.

The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.

Odors produced by molds may also adversely affect some individuals. The ability to perceive odors and respond to them is highly variable among people. The most common health problems are caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. People exposed to moldy spanish moss have reported problems such as:

1. nasal and sinus congestion
2. cough
3. wheeze/breathing difficulties
4. sore throat
5. skin and eye irritation
6. upper respiratory infections (including sinus)

Other and more serious problems, however, can occur.

There is wide variability in how different people are affected by indoor mold. However, the long-term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:

1. infants and children
2. elderly people
3. individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies and asthma
4. persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV infection,
chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients)

Those with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold.

How do I tell if I have a mold problem? Investigate don't test. The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.

The Minnesota Department of Health does not recommend testing for mold. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture problems and remove all visible growth.

Items which have absorbed moisture (porous materials) and which have mold growing on them need to be removed, bagged and thrown out.

The amount of mold particles in air can increase greatly when mold is disturbed. Consider using protective equipment when handling or working around mold contaminated materials. The following equipment can help minimize exposure to mold:

• Rubber gloves
• Eye goggles
• Outer clothing (long sleeves and long pants) that can be easily removed in the work area
and laundered or discarded.

---

Use ASPENmoss™ where you would use moldy natural mosses. It will be like a breath of fresh air!

ASPENmoss™ is an environmentally responsible product. It is made from naturally renewable Rocky Mountain Aspen trees that regenerate twenty fold after cutting, and therefore has no negative affect of the environment. The process is 100% natural and renewable.

The absorbency of ASPENmoss™, which is really ASPENexcelsior that has been specially cut and then dyed, is remarkable. The moisture evaporates from the tiny fibers almost as quickly as it came, therefore mold has no place to grow upon, as is the case with spanish moss and sheet moss. The aspen fibers are also known for their consistently fresh fragrance.