What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on plants, wood, fabric, food, drywall, and any other organic material.

Mold growth can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours.

Mold reproduces by means of microscopic spores. The spores act as seeds, that float through the air and land on wet surfaces.

Mold is a natural part of the environment and is a necessary part of the environment; without them, leaves would not decay and break down of plant and animal matter would not occur. After this process, Mold returns these nutrients to the environment.

However, as essential as mold is to the outdoor environment, it is hazardous in an indoor environment.

Mold can grow anywhere there is excessive moisture. This can include:

• Roof leaks

• Indoor plumbing leaks

• Outdoor drainage problems

• Damp basements and crawl spaces

• Steam from the bathroom or kitchen

• Condensation on cool surfaces

• Humidifiers

• Wet clothes drying inside the home

• A clothes dryer venting indoors

• Wet Carpets

• Wet Wood Floors

• Poor or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances