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What Causes Toxic Mold?

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Mold thrives in damp humid conditions such as bathrooms with poor ventilation, leaky water pipes, roof leaks, aftermath of a flood, and clothes dryers and exhaust fans that vent under the house or back into the room. Houses that have been flooded are at a serious risk for molds, especially in areas that are high in humidity and temperatures. They provide the mold with the perfect place to reproduce before cleanup can begin.

Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and something to feed on. In the fall, they grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, especially in moist, shady areas. In gardens, they can be found in compost piles and on certain grasses and weeds. Molds grow in our homes in moist warm areas like damp basements, closets, and bathrooms, even after the moisture has dried up. Also, molds can grow in places where fresh food is stored, refrigerator drip trays, houseplants, humidifiers, garbage pails, mattresses, upholstered furniture, or foam rubber pillows. The worst place that molds can grow, however, is inside wall cavities and flooring of our homes, wherever there may be cellulose materials they can feed on, such as wood, ceiling tiles, or plasterboard, even if they are not visible, and they have sustained water damage at one time or another. This is very common if there has been a plumbing leak or an inadequate roof.

You can help reduce mold growth by installing a dehumidifier in chronically moist rooms. You shouldn't carpet rooms that stay damp and insulate pipes and other cold surfaces to discourage condensation. By installing storm windows it will help eliminate condensation on glass. If you cover your crawlspace dirt area with plastic and ensure that the area is well ventilated.

Next Page: How Do You Determine When Mold Is Toxic?

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