What is mold, and how does it become a problem?
Mold is a type of fungus that appears on the surface of organic materials in damp conditions. Molds may be gray, black, green, yellow, orange or various other colors, and individuals with specific allergic conditions may have a significant reaction to air-borne mold spores. Both indoor and outdoor mold and fungus have been shown to represent a huge allergy problem for many individuals. There are three primary factors always associated with mold growth – temperature, nutrients, and moisture. Mold and fungus need humid conditions in order to live and grow. Most molds must get their nutrients (food) from the environment, living and feeding on dead organic matter. Outdoors, molds are very important in nature, as they aid in decomposing organic materials and recycling nutrients. Indoors, many building components and contents contain materials that are excellent food sources for mold, such as wallpaper glue, some paints, greases, paper, textiles, wood, and wood products. Indoor dusts may con
