Causes of Mold Growth in the Home

Mold tends to grow most proficiently in moist, damp, temperate, and dark areas like basements. In fact, all molds need moisture to grow, so the presence of an unusual amount of moisture at a particular place in your home (a leaky roof in an attic, for instance, or a leaking water pipe in a basement) can often be an indicator of the presence of mold. Mold colonies begin when mold spores floating through the air land in a moist environment, so there are two stages to taking care of your mold problem: removing the mold growth itself, and preventing the mold spores from creating another colony.

Killing Mold

Mold colonies can be killed with normal household items. A simple mixture of warm water, soap, and a splash of bleach can be used to scrub away mold. Vacuum up or throw away any physical mold growth. Once all the mold growth has been removed and discarded, apply a disinfectant to the area and all surrounding areas. After disinfecting, it is essential to dry the entire area. Leaving moisture in the affected area will encourage mold spores dislodged during the cleaning process to settle back down in the same area and grow a new mold colony.

Spore Considerations

Spores are microscopic and durable, and can easily go airborne, so it is impossible to kill them all or remove them completely from your home. But mold spores alone are harmless; it is only when they are combined with moisture that mold growth occurs. Therefore, it is essential to remove sources of excess moisture in the area you removed the mold. Leaving excess moisture in place virtually guarantees that you will have more problems with mold further down the line.

Other Considerations

Symptoms of mycotoxicoses, the condition caused by toxic exposure to mycotoxin mold, are characterized by irritation of the skin and labored breathing. Consult a healthcare professional if anyone in your home experiences these symptoms and they are not a result of other medical conditions. Scientific research into mold toxicity in humans is ongoing, and opinions change frequently. Contact your local poison control center or the local chapter of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if you are concerned about mold toxicity in your home.