No one likes mold and mildew. Even if you aren’t allergic to it mold is dirty, slimy, smelly, and just plain unhealthy. It’s not good for the house or construction materials either. Mold grows because of excess humidity, which can get into the wood, drywall, flooring, or siding of a house, and eventually can cause rot and decay.
Mold thrives in damp, dark, poorly ventilated places. Look for its presence in closed closets, musty or damp bathroom crevices, behind wallpaper, on moist walls or windowsills, or even on the ceiling in areas where the roof leaks. During hot and muggy weather, mold can even form on books, stacked magazines, in the clothes hamper, or on bathroom towels.
Molds in Indoor Air
Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as the public becomes aware that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions.
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.
Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. 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. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.
Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and / or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate / clean up any existing indoor mold growth.