Explore the unseen threats posed by toxic mold and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Founded in 1990, The Gourd Reserve is dedicated to the cultivation and crafting of gourds, inspired by the passion of its founders, Timothy Mark Moyers and Carmella. As active members of the American and Ohio Gourd Societies, they amassed a remarkable collection of gourd seeds, fostering a community of enthusiasts across the nation. Despite personal changes, Carmella and her new husband, Dan, have continued this legacy, conducting innovative cross-breeding experiments on their Indiana farm back in the early 2000’s, and now in Missouri on their small plot of land. Our mission is to celebrate the creativity and joy that gourds bring, honoring Tim’s memory and inviting you to explore the wonders of gourd cultivation and crafting.

Exposure to toxic mold can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, skin irritation, and in severe cases, neurological issues. It is crucial to identify and address mold problems promptly to safeguard health. Proper ventilation, moisture control, and regular inspections are key to preventing mold growth.

Mold can thrive on gourds, especially when they are exposed to moisture and warmth. This section explores how mold interacts with gourds, potentially affecting their integrity and appearance. Understanding this relationship is crucial for gourd enthusiasts and cultivators.

The Political, economic, and medical perspectives on mold:

• Mold, A Comprehensive Look
  Molds are common in the world, it is what turns bio mass back into mineral substance, in otherwords the recycling process.
• Mold, What is it?
  A Brief general description of mold.
• Mold Types
  There are many varieties of mold, in fact depending on where you read, you can find figures from 50,000 to in excess of 200,000 different varieties of molds. There are general species, and then varieties within those specie, just like canines include everything from wolves to Pomeranians. Similarily, there are a wide variety of mold families like Stachybotris, but there may be 20,000 varieties of Stachy.
• Handling Molds
  Please use caution when handling molds, even mold on a gourd. There are some rules of thumb to follow, damp it down, wear a respirator, etc.
• The Mold Dichotomy
  There is a definite Dichotomy or difference of opinions between those of our legislative and general medical establishment from the insights and evidence of those involved in research of Fungalbionics. For the sake of time and space, this section is focused primarily on Stachybotrys Chartarum, although similar dichotomies seems to exist for other toxic molds as well……
• Air Purification Devices
  There are several type of Air Purifiers that can be helpful or beneficial for your indoor air quality. Some systems may be really good, others may be harmful. We recommend before deciding which air purifier you might choose to buy that you look at some of the options available and the pro’s and con’s for the different types.
• Mold Summary
  Mold, the Buzz word of the 21st century. It is so common, and mold related, sick building related issues seem to be more and more a common occurance these days, yet it seems to be the realtively new kid on the block. That being the case, it also seems to be the most under studied, under researched, and under estimated of health issues out there today.
• Mold Resources
  Mold Resources, informational materials on mold and health issues.
• Our Mold Story
  What mold can do to your health and the health of your family. This is our story of our experience of living in a house that was growing mold inside the walls where it could not be seen and it grew unknown to us.

Molds are not restricted to gourds, in fact, the worst molds are in homes, buildings, and work places.  The reason why these are the worst is because they generally go unnoticed or thought of to be realtively harmless.  The worst of the worst are when it is growing within the walls where it isn’t even seen.  Many people become deathly ill, and have no clue as to why, when the answer may be only inches away on the other side of the drywall in their home.  Old dry wall is paper lined, and Stachybotris, (probably one of the worst molds), loves paper.

Arm yourself with knowledge, The American public and the medical community in general are totally in the dark when it comes to mold and the hazards related to molds.  Here are some outstanding resources from the truly knowledgable about mold and their dangers.

Dr Shoemaker is probably the most well known PhD in this country for his knowledge and treatment of people with Mold related illnesses.  People travel across the country and around the world to see this man for help.  Gary Rosen is also well known and knowledgable.  Our first and highest recommendation would be Mold Warriors, but you should read the reviews and what the book is about and make your decision based on what information you are looking for.

Mold

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of Microscopic plant called a Fungi, it grows in clusters and has a furry appearance. Mold range in colors from olive green to black.

Mildew is produced by Mold, and it is a thin black and sometimes white growth.

Mold spores are everywhere, it spreads easiest outdoors due to wind, plants, and animals, but mold spores come indoors through doors and windows, animals, people, clothing, heating and airconditioning and ventilation systems can also draw mold spores indoors.

Once mold spores find an area with excessive moisture, they can grow mold. Mold also likes warm dark damp areas. The Most common places mold can be found growing indoors is around leaky roofs, ceilings, pipes, bathrooms showers and tubs, walls, flooded areas, plant pots and basements, (crawls spaces also if water is getting under the house, this was our problem).

Mold grows primarily where there is little ventilation or air circulation, and moisture. Mildew can often be found in closets where clothes no completely dry are hung, where clothing is hung in a closet tightly, in bathorroms with no or inadequate ventilation fans, and shower curtains.

When working with moldy gourds, it is essential to take specific safety measures to protect your health. Always wear protective gloves and a mask to prevent inhalation of mold spores. Work in a well-ventilated area and clean tools thoroughly after use. These precautions help mitigate the risks associated with mold exposure.