Mold are fungi that can be found in virtually every environment, both indoors and outdoors. There are thousands of different kinds of molds.
Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. In nature, mold can be beneficial as it helps to break down dead materials into rich organic matter. But indoors, mold can destroy building materials and home furnishings. Some mold has also been known to cause health problems.
There are no federal, state or local standards establishing hazardous levels of mold nor are there any federal, state or local statutes governing the clean-up of mold. The Department of Health provides education and recommendations, but can take no enforcement actions or engage in any tenant/landlord disputes regarding mold issues.
ISDH: https://www.in.gov/isdh/24347.htm
Mold needs three things to grow – a surface to land on, substance to eat, and water. With ideal conditions, mold can rapidly spread and infest a large area.
Of all the ingredients needed, moisture is the most important. Eliminating moisture is the most effective means of hindering mold growth.
The following are recommendations to prevent and eliminate indoor mold problems:
Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend routine sampling for molds. Reliable sampling is expensive and the standards for what is and is not an acceptable or tolerable level of mold have not been established.
If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal.
Mold can affect human health by causing allergies, infections, and toxicity. The type and severity of symptoms will depend on a person’s susceptibility and the degree of exposure. Exposure is mainly through the inhalation of mold spores or from contact with the skin or from swallowing.
For those sensitive to mold, the symptoms can include wheezing, nasal and sinus congestion, burning eyes, skin irritation or a dry cough. Other more severe symptoms may include headaches, memory loss, and flu-like symptoms.
If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in the building where you live or work, you should consult a health care provider to determine the appropriate actions to take to protect your health.
CDC: Mold Guide
CDC: Getting Rid of Mold
EPA: Flood Clean-Up, Protecting Indoor Air Quality