Function

• Mold is everywhere, it serves as a biodegradable agent, adhering to moist surfaces and breaking down the molecular structure. While mold provides a valuable service in the environment, it can create havoc in a home. Since mold needs moisture to grow, dangerous mold spores enter the home through foundation cracks and structural leaks and if the spores find a continuously moist place to grow, they multiply and release additional airborne spores that may affect humans.
  
  

Types

• If you're allergic to mold, many varieties will cause health problems, even at low exposure rates. However, most people can sustain short-term exposure to mold unless the mold in question is of a dangerous variety. Stacchybotrus, also known as Black Mold, occurs in homes prone to flooding, the dirty water carrying mold into the house and creating the perfect environment for it to thrive.
  
  

Identification

• If you, a family member or a co-worker suffers from chronic health symptoms, without a known cause, consider the likelihood of mold poisoning. The most common symptoms are sinus congestion, sinus headaches, itchy or burning eyes, a chronic cough, mild body rashes, a sore throat, increased asthma attacks and a constant headache. If one or more of these symptoms is present, a little sleuthing is in order. Examine the person's bedroom or office, checking around plumbing where it enters the room and behind baseboards.
  
  

Considerations

• Some people are more prone to developing chronic health problems from exposure to mold. Young children, the elderly, anyone with HIV or an immune system disorder and those with asthma, emphysema or another respiratory condition may suffer more severe symptoms. In rare cases, exposure to high levels of mold are associated with brain damage. Consult your physician if you think you or a family member are suffering from mold exposure.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Treat all mold problems as soon as they become apparent. Alleviate common mold problems by spraying household bleach on the mold to kill active growth. Mold may hide behind drywall, in the stud space. If this is the case, remove the old drywall and replace it after drying the area thoroughly. Seal cracks in basements and foundations and caulk around exterior plumbing to prevent moisture from entering the home.
  
  

Warning

• Long-term exposure to mold spores may increase hypersensitivity to other airborne allergens. Even if you don't have leaks in your home, other places can harbor mold. Replace your shower curtain regularly and clean the seal on your refrigerator with bleach. Check your window moldings, cracks around shower stalls and any other place where moisture can collect.