Where are mold spores found?
A. Mold spores are everywhere. Mold thrives in continuously wet conditions and can start to grow within 24 hours after a flood. Q. What problems can mold spores cause? A. Mold spores can cause allergy symptoms, headaches, bronchitis, asthma attacks, lung irritation and skin rashes. People with asthma or other pulmonary illnesses, compromised immune systems, infants and the elderly are more likely to develop mold-related illnesses. Q. What can people do to control mold in and around the home, especially after a flood? A. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) offers the following suggestions to control mold: • Flooded homes should be thoroughly dried out, a process that may take several days or weeks. • Wet carpet and padding should be removed and discarded. • Porous materials – those that absorb water – such as sheetrock, some paneling, fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation, mattresses, pillows, wallpaper and upholstered furniture should be discarded. • Sheetrock an
