Definition

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes mold as a type of fungus attracted to household moisture. This life form reproduces by releasing spores into the air, spreading new mold throughout the home.
  
  

Locations

• Mold growths can thrive wherever water gathers in a home, including bathrooms, kitchens, walls, windows and doors. Mold eats organic matter on household surfaces, including food particles, paper and even the wood in the surfaces themselves.
  
  

Problems

• Mold can cause serious structural damage to the wooden components of a home. The spores can also infiltrate lungs of occupants, causing allergic reactions or lung infections. People with pre-existing lung conditions face particular risk from mold exposure.
  
  

Countermeasures

• To prevent mold buildup, the EPA recommends controlling the moisture levels in a home through dehumidifiers and repair of visible leaks. Serious mold infestation may require professional removal by a cleaning company.