Good mold and bad mold is found virtually everywhere, in indoor and outdoor environments year round. Generally mold spores travel through the air and enter homes through windows, doors, cracks, and vents.

Structures built today are more efficient than ever before. According to the EPA, 90% of our time is spent indoors. Current building codes stress efficiency, but fail to deal with the issues of condensation that has led to 1 in 2 structures in the U.S. and Canada having moist conditions suitable to sustain mold growth (Per a Harvard University study).

Causes and Effects of Molds

Mold, mildew and fungus pose three great risks:

• They can lead to excessive wood damage. Like termites, certain mold and fungus are able to turn cellulose material (stuff made of wood or wood by-products) to food and in the process will weaken and destroy the structural integrity of the home.
  

• Mold and fungus release spores, which are their way of reproducing. These spores float around in the air of the home and pose inhalation risks to those living in the home. These spores are considered to be a major allergen and rank with pollen as a main source of contaminants for allergy sufferers.
  

• Some types of molds and fungus release highly toxic "mycotoxins" which are byproducts that develop and then release during growth. These mycotoxins can cause severe adverse health problems for many people.
  

In short, mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When left untended, mold can cause a lot of damage. When this happens, health problems can occur and building materials, goods, and furnishings may be damaged.

Mold thrives in protected, dark, damp places.  Unfortunately, buildings provide an almost ideal environment to support the growth of mold.  The temperatures are right, there are plenty of dark spaces and organic substances for food.  Once moisture is added a breeding ground for mold has been created. 

While mold only needs water, food and the right temperature to begin growing, the following characteristics can influence growth:

• Relative humidity of approximately 50% or higher
  

• Airtight structures
  

• Stagnant air
  

• Damp areas (most Eastern NC crawlspaces)
  

The U.S. Government estimates that Americans are exposed to over 200 different types of mold on a daily basis. It is a living organism that generally lives and thrives where moisture is present, in the absence of circulating air.

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