What is mold?

Popular definitions from reputable sources include the following definition for mold

Mold: a fungus; molds are plants that make spores instead of seeds which float in the air like pollen. They are a common trigger for allergies. Molds are found in damp areas, such as the basement or bathroom, as well as in the outdoor environment in grass, leaf piles, hay, and mulch.

Mold is generally part of a very large group of microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. Most are filamentous organisms and produce spores that can be air-, water-, or insect-borne. A common trigger for allergies. For people who are sensitive to molds, exposure can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing. People 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.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Mold requires moisture in order to become established and grow. Mold spores are ubiquitous in nature and non-viable spores exist in the air at all times. When these spores land on a moist surface in the presence of a food source for mold, then there is a high likelihood that the mold spore will establish itself and grow. Therefore, if you see mold in your home, or anyplace, there is a moisture source that allows the mold to continue development. If you have had a recent water leak, or have condensation affect porous materials when the HVAC system operates, there chances are good that mold will develop.

Can mold cause health problems?

In general, most of the common molds are not a concern to someone who is healthy.  However if you have allergies or asthma, or other health-compromising conditions, you may be sensitive to molds. You may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and aggravation of asthma. Also if you have an immune suppression or underlying lung disease, you may be at increased risk to be affected by exposure to various molds.

Some molds produce toxins in defense against other molds and bacteria called mycotoxins. Depending on exposure level, these mycotoxins may have poisonous effects in people, also. Fatigue, nausea, headaches, and respiratory and eye irritation are some symptoms that may be experienced from exposure to mycotoxins. If you or your family members have health problems that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should consult with your physician.

How do I get rid of mold?

There are some minor mold conditions that generally may not require the intervention of a professional mold remediation firm. However, while it is not our intent to promote an environment of alarm where mold is concerned, it should be understood that cleaning any mold condition can contaminate indoor air environments, which is why mold remediation tends to be a somewhat costly endeavor since remediation contractors are removing affected materials in a manner that will have the least affect on the remaining environment.

First consider the amount of visible mold present on the surface and your comfort level in cleaning moldy conditions. Call a professional and discuss the particulars of your specific issues and determine whether or not your situation requires professional intervention. The chart below presents some of the different tasks and considerations that the remediation contractor and IAQ professional will evaluate that may not be part of the considerations developed by the homeowner and/or do-it-yourself contractor.

Other answers are ok – have provided some modifications/revisions on paper.

I don't see any mold, is there still a chance it could be in my home?

Yes, can be in wall cavities where plumbing pipes exist. Any moisture that is within wall cavities also introduces a potential condition that may allow mold to grow. Spores can be present in any environment, including the air inside your home, and these spores may not have had a chance to grow yet.

What signs should I be looking for when it comes to mold?

• Sources of moisture, water leaks: water sources, drips or condensation.
• Poor ventilation (HVAC system, attics, crawlspaces)
• Anyone in the house experiencing health problems

What does mold look like?

• Can appear to be a blemish, stain, or discoloration
• Can be any color: may have tints of white, green, or black and often appears to be a fuzzy mat or slimy deposit
• Usually has irregular borders

Are there any ways to prevent mold?

• Moisture control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY .  If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow. 
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
• Keep indoor humidity low.  If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity.  Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.  Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
• http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/preventionandcontrol.html

How can I control mold growth in my home?

Fix any moisture problems in your home:

• Stop all water leaks first. Repair leaking roofs and plumbing fixtures. Move water away from concrete slabs and basement walls.
• Increase air circulation within your home, especially along the inside of exterior walls, and ventilate with fresh air from outside. Provide warm air to all areas of the home. Move large objects away from the inside of exterior walls just a few inches to provide good air circulation.
• Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
• Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces. Cover earth floors in crawl spaces with heavy plastic.
• Clean and dry water damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, and upholstered furniture within 24 to 48 hours, or consider removing and replacing damaged furnishings.
• Vacuum and clean your home regularly.

For more information and suggestions, visit

•  http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/IAQ/Got_Mold.html