Mold
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines mold as organisms that may be found indoors and outdoors which are part of the natural environment. These organisms play an important role in the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material, such as dead leaves. Mold, also called fungi or mildew, are neither plants nor animals, but they are part of the kingdom Fungi.
Many mold spores are so small they easily float through the air and can be carried for great distances by even the slightest breeze. The number of mold spores suspended in indoor and outdoor air fluctuates constantly. Mold spores cannot be completely eliminated from indoor environments. Some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in settled dust; however, they will not grow if moisture is not present.
Mold is not usually a problem indoors unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. As molds grow, they digest whatever they are growing on. Unchecked mold growth can damage buildings and furnishings, rot wood, damage drywall and cause structural damage to buildings.
Besides moisture, mold needs nutrients or food to grow. Mold can grow on virtually any organic substance. Most buildings are full of organic materials that mold can use as food, including paper, cloth, wood, plant material, and soil. In most cases, temperature is not an issue. Some molds grow in warm areas, while others prefer cool locations such as bread stored in a refrigerator. Often, more than one type of mold can be found growing in the same area, although conditions such as moisture, light, and temperature may favor one species of mold over another.
