• 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.  Mold reproduces 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 wet surfaces. There are so many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold 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 sneez-
ing, 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-aller-
gic and non-allergic people. 

Mold growth


Magnified mold spores.


Molds can 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.