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Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part
in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and
dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by
means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float
through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold
spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and
none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Can mold cause health problems?
Mold growing outdoors on firewood. Molds come in many colors; both white and
black molds are shown here. Click on the image for larger version.
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet
or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health
problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic
reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in
sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms,
such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).
Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.
Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic
to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose,
throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms
other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a
result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.
This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential
health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information
consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or
local health department.
Magnified mold spores
Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You
can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid
potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold
growth
How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold
spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold
spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and
should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there
is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the
water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem,
then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.
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Visual
Inspection - Visual inspection for both presence of mold and signs of
leakage, dampness and other conditions conducive to mold