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Molds are parasitic,
microscopic fungi with spores that float
in the air like pollen. Mold is a common
allergy and asthma trigger and can be
found in damp areas such as basements or
bathrooms, as well as in grass, leaf
piles, hay, mulch, or under mushrooms.
Symptoms of mold allergies can occur
seasonally, especially in the summer and
fall or year round if mold is in your
home. Symptoms are like those of pollen
and dust mite allergies and include
sneezing, congestion, itchy and watery
eyes, runny nose, and coughing.
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. Molds reproduce
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 surfaces that are wet. There
are many types of mold, and none of them
will grow without water or moisture.
Can mold cause health
problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors,
unless mold spores land on a wet or damp
spot and begin growing. Molds have
the potential to 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 sneezing, 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-allergic and non-allergic
people. Symptoms other than the
allergic and irritant types are not
commonly reported as a result of inhaling
mold. Research on mold and health
effects is ongoing. This brochure
provides a brief overview; it does not
describe all potential health effects
related to mold exposure. For more
detailed information consult a health
professional. You may also wish to
consult your state or local health
department.
It is impossible to get rid of all mold
and mold spores indoors; some mold spores
will be found floating through the air and
in house dust, which can be eliminated
with an air purifier. The mold spores will
not grow if moisture is not present.
Indoor mold growth can and should be
prevented or controlled by controlling
moisture indoors and using a quality air
purifier. If there is mold growth in
your home, you must clean up the mold and
fix the water problem. If
you clean up the mold, but don't fix the
water problem, then, most likely, the mold
problem will come back.
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