| Mold is part of the natural environment. It is a form | | | | becoming infected.Damp building equipment like |
| of fungus that is ubiquitous in character and | | | | drywall, wood, carpets, and carpet padding contribute |
| reproduces by means of microscopic spores, which | | | | to mold growth. Mold growth in an indoor |
| are invisible to the naked eye and drift through the | | | | environment is in general related to an indoor water |
| air. Molds grow indoors when the spores come into | | | | or moisture problem. Leaky roofs, building |
| contact with damp substances, whether it is wood, | | | | maintenance problems, or plumbing issues can cause |
| paper, carpets, or food. Toxic mold refers to | | | | mold growth inside buildings.Mold requires moisture to |
| sickness arising from exposure to certain | | | | grow. Reduce indoor humidity to decrease mold |
| molds.Inhaling or touching toxic mold can cause allergic | | | | growth by venting bathrooms, increasing ventilation, |
| reactions in some people, as the molds produce a | | | | and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, |
| poisonous substance called mycotoxin. Common | | | | dishwashing, and cleaning. Keep the place ventilated, |
| symptoms include headache, fatigue, and irritation in | | | | and if there is an appliance that leaks or drips water, |
| the eyes, nose, skin, and lungs. Contact with | | | | it should be fixed immediately. Repair any leaks or |
| considerable quantities of toxic mold can also cause | | | | roofing problems within a day, as mold can grow on |
| asthma attacks. Constant exposure to toxic mold is | | | | virtually any surface. However, cleaning up mold |
| poisonous. In the 1930s, toxic mold caused the death | | | | without taking care of the root problem, i.e. moisture, |
| of farm animals in Russia and other countries. Today, | | | | will not be of any use, as the mold will most likely |
| the agriculture industry keeps a vigil on mold in grains | | | | come back. |
| to prevent food supplies and animal feed from | | | | |