Molds are tiny living organisms that grow in damp places of the home typically caused by water leaks, spills, floods, or increased humidity. While there are hundreds of thousands of kinds of mold indoors and outdoors, health departments from across the country stress that any kind of mold growing in indoor environments should be removed.

Is there a health risk?

Indoor mold (also called mildew) primarily affects us when it becomes airborne and is inhaled. Possible health effects from mold include:

• Allergic reactions (watery eyes, congestions, skin irritation, headaches)
• Asthma
• Lung infection (if exposed to large amounts of mold over a significant period of time)
• Sick Building Syndrome (SDS)

Young children, the elderly and those with lung disease or immune suppression disorders may be at a higher risk of mold-related negative health reactions.

Where would I find mold in my house?

Places to check for mold include walls, ceilings, carpets, wood products and furniture. Mold will not grow unless there is moisture present.

What can I do?

If you find mold in your home you should immediately, while wearing gloves and a mask, clean it up with a green home cleaner and disinfectant.

To prevent mold you should regularly check for moisture in your home. Pay special attention to dark places, parts of your home that may be humid, and keep an eye out for any leaky pipes, as these help mold to grow.

Resources

Environmental Health Perspectives — A Spreading Concern: Inhalation Health Effects of Mold

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Environmental Hazards & Health Effects

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Protect Yourself From Mold

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — Healthy Homes for Healthy Families: About Mold and Moisture

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Mold Resources

U.S. Government Accountability Office — Indoor Mold: Better Coordination of Research on Health Effects and More Consistent Guidance Would Improve Federal Efforts

National Center for Healthy Housing

Air Quality Sciences (AQS) – indoor air quality testing