Provided by the American Industrial Hygiene Association

molds live in the soil, on plants and on dead or decaying matter. Another common term for mold is mildew. Mold growth

is encouraged by warm and humid conditions, although it can grow during cold weather also. There are many thousands

of species of mold and they can be in any color, including white, orange, green, brown, or black. Many times, mold can

be detected by a musty odor. Most fungi, including molds, produce microscopic cells called spores that spread easily

through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions. All

of us are exposed to fungal spores daily in the air we breathe, both outside and inside.

seems likely to grow and become a problem only where there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. All molds

need moisture to grow. Common sources of indoor moisture that can cause mold problems include flooding, roof and

plumbing leaks, damp basement or crawl spaces, or anywhere moist air condenses on cold surfaces. Bathroom showers

and steam from cooking may also create problems if not well ventilated.

growth. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is very important. Ventilate or use exhaust fans (to the

outdoors) to remove moisture where it accumulates: bathrooms; kitchens; and laundry areas. Be sure the clothes dryer

vents to outside the house. Repair water leaks promptly, and either dry out and clean or replace any water-damaged

materials. Materials that stay wet for longer than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth. Lowering the humidity in the

home also helps prevent condensation problems. To lower humidity during humid weather, air conditioners and

dehumidifiers may be used. Proper exterior wall insulation helps prevent condensation inside the home during cold

weather that could cause mold growth.

shown to cause health problems to occupants in residential or commercial buildings. The health effects of breathing

mycotoxins are not well understood and are currently under study.

High or chronic airborne exposures, typically associated with certain occupations like agricultural work, have been

associated with illnesses, although these are rare. More is known about eating mycotoxins (from humans and animals

consuming moldy foods or feed) and the resulting health effects than is known about breathing mycotoxins.

health effects are similar to other common molds. It has been inconclusively associated with more severe health effects

in some people. While there are only a few molds that are truly black, many can appear black. Not all mold that appears

shower curtain) or workplaces are not a major concern, but no mold should be permitted to grow and multiply indoors.

When molds are present in large quantities, they may cause nuisance odors and health problems for some people. Mold

can damage building materials, finishes and home furnishings. Some molds can cause structural damage to wood.

similar to common pollen or animal allergies, are the most common health effects for individuals sensitive to molds. Flulike

symptoms and skin rash may occur. Molds may also aggravate asthma. Fungal infections from building-associated

molds may occur in people with serious immune disease but this is very rare. Most symptoms are temporary and

eliminated by correcting the mold problem in the home.

how they react. People who may be affected more severely and quickly than others include:

patients, or organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, autoimmune diseases.)

Those with special health concerns should consult their doctor if they are concerned about mold exposure. The

symptoms that may seem to occur f from mold exposure can also be due to other causes such as bacterial or viral

infections, or other allergies.

What should I do if I see or smell mold in my home? The most important step in solving a mold problem is to identify

Should I test my home for mold? Probably not. It should not be your first step. Your first step should be to inspect

Who do I call to deal with extensive mold growth in a building?

A professional experienced in mold cleanup may need to be hired to address extensive mold growth in a building. It is important to correct large mold problems as soon as possible by first fixing the source of the moisture problem, then cleaning the surfaces, and finally by drying the area completely. If you use outside contractors or professionals, make sure they have experience cleaning up mold, check their references, and have them follow the recommendations and guidelines given in the information resources below.