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Molds are part of the 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.
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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.
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. 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 and don't bother to fix the water problem most likely the
mold problem will come back. Stop the water ASAP. If you are in a
rented unit, contact your landlord and DOCUMENT it. We suggest you
send your landlord a certified letter if they do not have an onsite
manager. Either way, document your mold issues.
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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.
Also see: Mold Cleanup
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