Mold can grow in many places, but is mostly in its element in humid and wet environments. It can come in the form of many colors and often be smelly such as with a soil odor. Mold can be caused by many things, such as leaky plumbing or doors and windows, wet carpet, damp walls, etc. But mold can cause many dangerous and adverse health effects on people.

Since some molds, especially toxic mold or toxigenic mold, cause illness in some people, the permanent elimination--also called decontamination, remediation, and abatement--of toxic mold is essential since the mold may grow back. Products that have mold contamination must also be destroyed.

Mold can sometimes be easily removed with soap and water, or with a surface cleansing product or bleach, just ensure that the products are not full-strength to avoid discoloration. Unfortunately, absorbent or porous materials like ceiling tiles, drywall, and carpet may have to be thrown away if they become moldy because the mold cannot be removed from materials. Alternatively, a professional who has experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes can be hired. Be sure to check for licensing, certification, and/or experience and training before hiring a mold professional. It is important to properly clean and dry the mold-infected area as an allergic reaction can occur from parts of the dead mold. A continued source of moisture can also cause the reoccurrance of mold contamination; therefore, do not keep humidity levels high in a home/office/etc., repair sources of water damage, and exhaust bathrooms and kitchens.

Toxic Mold and Pesticides

The public should be warned, though, that manufacturers of all pesticide products--products that claim to control fungus and toxic molds--are required to register their product with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is imporant that products with claims in preventing or repelling mold are EPA registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Products that are rid areas of disease-causing microorganisms, such as mold, must be tested and determined safe as well as effective by a manufacturer prior to being marketed. Manurfacturers are required to list the EPA registration number on the product label, so it becomes easier for individuals to find safe mold removal products. The public should be wary of any product claiming to control fungus and toxic molds that do not bear an EPA registration number since the product may not be safe or effective to use.