Mold Information
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually.
When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing
on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur,
particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment;
the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.(5)
Health and Mold
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people,
exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness,
eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds,
may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large
amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay.
Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses,
such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.(5)
Why is mold growing in my home?
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.(5)