Mold is a fungus, like its cousin the mushroom, that breaks down dead organic substances. It feasts on a host of items including wood and insulation. The problem occurs when the mold produces spores that get released in the air. Some are toxic and can cause many health related problems. These include Asthma, eye irritation, sinus problems, IBS, respiratory problems, rash, coughing, chronic fatigue, food allergies, mood swings, to name a few. The spores or mycotoxins of the black fungus, by the name of Strachybotrys, happens to be toxic. Mold will produce spores as long as heat and humidity exist.
If mold grow on wood or insulation, the items must be removed totally, the majority of times, and will need to be replaced. However, there are ways to prevent or minimizing mold from taking hold. The following are some precautions one can take to achieve this. One can prevent mold by stopping leaks, adding mold inhibitors in paint, cleaning up refrigerator and air conditioning drip pans, keeping the humidity in the house down to less than 50%, by weatherizing windows and by not carpeting bathrooms and utility rooms.
Mold is a dangerous and expensive problem. The best defense against it is to not let it start growing in your house.

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