Significance

• If airborne mold spores land in a damp area in a home, they can proliferate. Mold typically grows on porous surfaces such as wood, carpet, wall paper, paint, sheet rock, drywall and insulation.
  
  

Detection

• Mold grows in a variety of textures and colors. It often looks like velvet or cotton, but it can also appear leathery or grainy. Stachybotrys, the most dangerous mold, is often black or dark green in color. You can often detect the presence of mold by its musty, earthy smell.
  
  

Allergens

• Mold spores produce allergens, which irritate the skin and respiratory system. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, sensitive people may have reactions similar to those of hay fever, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy, red eyes or skin rash when exposed to spores. If you have asthma, you may experience asthma attacks when exposed to mold.
  
  

Mycotoxins

• Some molds, like Stachybotrys, produce byproducts like mycotoxins. According to the Washington State Department of Health, these can cause more serious health problems. Symptoms of exposure include headache, nausea, fatigue, and eye and respiratory irritation. Mycotoxins can also cause pneumonia-like respiratory infections.
  
  

Removal

• The first step to controlling mold growth is to remove any moisture to the area. Fix any leaks that may be contributing to mold growth and clean existing mold with bleach or other antimicrobial products.