Facts about Mold

What is mold?

• Molds are forms of fungi that are found everywhere – both indoors and outdoors all year round.

• Another common term for mold is mildew.

What is “black mold”?

• The news media often refer to “black mold” or “toxic black mold.” It has usually been associated with the mold Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage.

• Known health effects are similar to other common molds. It has been inconclusively associated with more severe health effects in some people.

How do I know it's mold?

• Mold can be many different colors: yellow, green, white, gray, black, brown, etc. It may look furry, slimy, or powdery.

• Most mold has a musty, stale, or earthy odor.

How does mold grow?

• Mold needs water and food. It can grow almost anywhere there is water, high humidity, or damp conditions.

• Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions, although it can grow during cold weather also.

• Mold can feed on paper, fabric, wallpaper glue, sheetrock, wood, soap scum, leather, and many other surfaces.

Who is affected by exposure to mold?

For those who are affected by mold exposure, there can be a wide variation in how they react. People who may be affected more severely and quickly than others include:

• infants and children

• elderly people

• pregnant women

• individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies and asthma

• persons with weakened immune systems

What are the health effects of mold?

• Many people are allergic to molds.

• Mold exposure may cause or worsen asthma symptoms, hay fever, or other allergies.

• The most common symptoms of mold exposure are coughing or wheezing, throat irritation, eye irritation, congestion, runny nose, migraine headaches, and trouble breathing. Symptoms usually disappear after the mold contamination is removed.

Should I see a doctor if I have been exposed to mold?

• If you think that you or your children have symptoms related to mold exposure, you should see a doctor.

Personal Testimonials on Mold Exposure

Michelle P - "I just moved out of my apartment after it was tested by the county health department and found to have high levels of 47 various molds. The women who did the testing said it is the worst case of mold infestation the county has ever seen. The molds found included Stachybotrys, Aspergillus Candidus, Aspergillus Fumigatus, Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus Terreus, Squamous cells, Penicillium in many forms, and several other molds, all toxic."

Ryan S - "I have been dealing with mold exposure for 1 1/2 years. It all started after my grandmother passed away and I moved into her (old) house. I always noticed a musty smell since the day I moved in. My symptoms started about 1 to 2 weeks after moving in -- headaches, sinus stuffiness, post nasal drip, nausea, tightness in the chest, and breathing difficulty."

Mark R - "I just recently found some mold in the bay window shutters in my office. I cleaned it all out and my migraines have disappeared. I don't react this way to other allergens. Now, I know if I get migraines, there's mold nearby."

Elizabeth M - "There is a definite connection between mold allergies and chemical sensitivities. My doctor believes that once I get a handle on my mold allergies, then my chemical sensitivities will fall by the way side. I believe him because when the mold counts are low, I feel my best."

Christina G - "I lived in a place for 2 1/2 years and besides feeling 'sick' all the time with migraines, allergies, etc., I started to lose my memory and recall abilities, gained weight and I slept all the time. I would get better when I was on vacation, and finally after 2 years figured out what it was."

John B - "At the peak of my worst allergic reaction to the mold was crusty eyes in the morning, red scaly itchy eyelids, eyes that watered all the time, stuffed up nose/ears, skin rashes, and general flu-like symptoms (like dizziness and exhaustion)."