Mold is everywhere, but it only becomes a problem when it finds moisture indoors. Learn the health risks, where to look, and when to get help.
What is mold?
Mold is a type of fungus found almost everywhere. Outdoors, it plays an important role by breaking down dead leaves and wood. It spreads through tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air, and when visible it can be black, white, green, orange, or purple.
You're exposed to small amounts of mold every day, and that's usually harmless. The problem starts when spores land on a damp spot indoors and begin to grow. Growing mold releases more spores into the air, where they're easily inhaled.
Health effects of mold
For people sensitive to mold, breathing in or touching spores can cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have shortness of breath, and mold can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma. Others who may be more affected include:
- Infants and children
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic lung disease
Where mold grows
Anywhere moisture lingers. Walls, floors, carpet, furniture, and appliances can all give mold what it needs to grow. Check commonly damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, attics, and crawl spaces — and anywhere that has had a leak or flooding.
When to call a professional
Call for help if mold covers a large area, keeps coming back, follows water damage or a sewage backup, or is in your HVAC system. A musty smell with no visible growth often means mold is hidden behind walls or under floors. Professional remediation finds and fixes the moisture source, contains the area so spores don't spread, removes the growth, and dries everything so it doesn't return.
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