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Mold is a term used to describe a type of fungus that is an often fuzzy-looking growth that appears on the surface of organic materials in damp conditions, both outdoors and indoors. Molds may be gray, black, green, yellow, orange or various other colors, and may have a velvety or wooly texture.

Like other fungi, molds produce tiny spores in order to reproduce. Mold spores continually waft through the air, both indoors and out-of-doors. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Indoors, molds can grow on wood, paper, fabrics, carpet, foods and other organic materials.

Molds are a natural part of the environment, but human health problems may result when people are exposed to large amounts of mold, particularly indoors. Inhaling excessive quantities of airborne mold particles or spores may lead to allergic illness, trigger asthma, cause respiratory infections, or bring about toxic effects from certain chemicals in the mold cells.

When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. However, indoor mold growth can be controlled by controlling moisture.

• Health Effects of Indoor Mold
• Where Does Mold Grow?
• Conditions that Promote Mold Growth
• Cleanup and Removal of Mold
  • Health Precautions During Mold Cleanup and Removal
  • Cleaning Moldy Non-porous and Semi-porous Materials
  • Removing Moldy Porous Materials
• Hiring a Mold Consultant or Contractor
• Indoor Air Quality in Homes, Schools and Other Buildings
• Brochure: After the Flood: Getting back into your home safely
• Related Websites

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