What Is Normal Fungal Ecology in Mold Remediation?
If you’ve discovered mold in your home, you’ve may have heard professionals talk about bringing your home back to a condition 1 and use the term “normal fungal ecology.” But what does the term mean? According to the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), a normal fungal ecology means that the types and concentrations of mold inside a home are similar to what is naturally found outside in the surrounding environment. In other words, the air and surfaces indoors should not have elevated mold levels compared to that found outdoors. The ultimate goal of any proper mold remediation project is to bring the indoor environment back to a condition 1, or normal fungal ecology.
Why “Zero Mold” Isn’t Possible
It’s important for homeowners to understand that there is no such thing as a mold-free home. This is because microscopic mold spores are a natural part of our environment always circulating in the air. Even newly built homes that have never had any water damage issues have some level of mold spores present and circulating in the air. Everyday actions introduce mold spores into your living space. Opening a window, stepping outside to get the mail, or simply walking in and out of your front door will bring spores indoors. In normal household conditions, this is not an issue. Although, when water damage, water leaks, or high relative humidity go unaddressed, spores now have the fuel they need to develop into mold growth on organic materials. Other factors can also contribute to mold problems, such as poor ventilation or limited air movement. These contributing factors together create situations where mold becomes a health and property concern.
Mold Spores vs. Actively Growing Mold
Mold spores are microscopic organisms that float invisibly in the air we breathe. These spores are present both indoors and outdoors and are generally harmless at low concentration levels. Actively growing mold, however, is a different story. Mold growth occurs when spores settle on organic materials—like wood, drywall, or carpet—that have sufficient moisture to support their growth. When that happens, colonies form, and the visible mold you may notice in your home begins to spread.
The Goal of Mold Remediation
Because mold spores are microscopic and constantly moving through the air, it’s impossible to have a completely mold-free home. That’s why we never promise “zero mold” during a remediation project—such a claim would be inaccurate. If someone tells you otherwise, it’s a red flag. The true goal of mold remediation is to bring your home back to what’s called a normal fungal ecology—where indoor mold levels are in line with what naturally exists outdoors. This balance helps keep your home safe, healthy, and free from the elevated mold conditions that can impact both your health and your home’s structure.
The Role of Indoor Air Quality Testing
How does air quality testing work?
Indoor air quality testing for mold is usually done by collecting air samples with specialized equipment. These devices pull air through a cassette or filter that captures mold spores floating in the environment. The samples are then sent to a laboratory, where technicians analyze them under a microscope to identify the types of mold present and their concentrations. In the testing process, a control sample is taken outdoors to be used as a base line for comparison against air samples taken indoors.
The limitations of air quality testing
Indoor air quality testing can play an important role in mold remediation, but it’s important to understand its limitations. Because air testing for mold is not an exact science, it should be used as a tool to help determine the types of mold present and their relative concentrations. Air testing can also be valuable after remediation to verify that the environment has been properly restored. However, testing results should never be treated as the end-all, be-all. A certified mold inspector should always pair air sampling with a thorough visual inspection to accurately assess the severity of a situation and confirm the effectiveness of remediation.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthy Home
If you suspect mold in your home, Ensign Building Solutions is here to help. Our certified team specializes in mold inspections and professional remediation designed to restore your home to a normal fungal ecology. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and protect your home and family’s health.
