Mold Basics
- The key to mold control is moisture control.
- If mold is a problem in your home, you should
clean up the mold promptly and fix the water
problem.
- It is important to dry water-damaged areas and
items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
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.
Mold growing outdoors on firewood. Molds come in many
colors; both white and black molds are shown here. (click
on the image for a larger 300dpi JPG file)]
Can mold cause health problems?
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.
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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