Molds are simple, microscopic organisms whose purpose in the ecosystem is to break down dead materials. Molds can be found on plants, dry leaves, and on just about every other organic material.
Some molds are useful, such as those used to make antibiotics and cheese. Some molds are known to be highly toxic when ingested, such as the types that invade grains and peanuts. Most of the mold found indoors comes from outdoors. Molds reproduce by very tiny particles called spores. Spores are lightweight and can travel on air currents. If mold spores land on a suitable surface, they will begin to grow. It is usually these mold spores that cause allergic reactions. Mold needs two things to thrive -- moisture and a food source. Mold growth can often be seen in the form of discoloration and in many colors such as white, orange, pink, blue, green, black or brown. When molds are present in large quantities (called colonies), they can potentially be a cause of health problems for some people.
Causes of Mold
The increase of mold found in today's buildings are the result of many factors. Mold needs to have two things, a food source (building materials) and moisture. The recent attention given by the media and the increased awareness of the public has caused many people to be more aware of their environment. Two of the main reasons for the increase of mold contamination in buildings are the lack of detail given to current building practices and the lack of proper maintenance by owners. Current building practices are sometimes responsible for mold problems in new homes, as less detail is given to the ability of a structure to shed water. (Flashing detail, roofing, drainage, faulty plumbing and exterior finishes that are not sealed properly.) An occupant or building owner's negligence in home or property maintenance can be a contributing factor to mold contamination, when moisture conditions are left unattended or without proper repairs. If caught in the early stages, water damage can be limited to prevent additional mold growth. Some activities that can cause mold growth include improperly vented dryers, lack of timely plumbing repairs, careless showering, neglect of gutters and poor drainage of foundation water.
Exposure and Health Risk
Materials that are moldy and become damaged or disturbed can potentially release large numbers of spores into the air. Any person can be exposed to mold by inhaling airborne spores, by handling moldy materials, or by accidental ingestion.
Molds can produce a variety of chemicals called mycotoxins. These chemicals are used by the molds as a defense mechanism against other molds or organisms that compete for living space or are otherwise threatening. Mycotoxins from molds can be very dangerous in high concentrations and have even been used in the past to produce military nerve gas. Fortunately, the types of molds that are routinely encountered in low concentration are not particularly hazardous to healthy people. Exposure in higher concentrations, however, can represent a health threat.
Common Reactions to Molds
The reaction to the amount and types of molds in a home will vary from person to person. Some molds will produce mycotoxins or toxins, however not all molds produce mycotoxins all the time. The amount of mycotoxin required to create a reaction has not clearly been established. Tolerance to these mycotoxins varies from person to person. Adverse reactions from dead mold or mold spores can happen even after the active (viable) mold has been removed. Common symptoms can include allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms), dermatitis (rashes), sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and aggravation of asthma. Some related symptoms are more general - such as inability to concentrate and fatigue. Usually, symptoms disappear after the contamination is removed, unless in extreme cases of exposure.
The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of exposure and the individual's particular vulnerability. Infants and children, the elderly, persons with respiratory problems and compromised immune systems are most vulnerable. Other conditions that have been associated with mold exposure include memory loss, nose bleeds, allergy, cold and flu-like symptoms, eye irritation, coughs, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, sinus and nasal congestion, skin irritation, headaches, and a variety of infections that can be both mild and serious.
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Molds are simple, microscopic organisms whose purpose in the ecosystem is to break down dead materials. Molds can be found on plants, dry leaves, and on just about every other organic material. 
The reaction to the amount and types of molds in a home will vary from person to person. Some molds will produce mycotoxins or toxins, however not all molds produce mycotoxins all the time. The amount of mycotoxin required to create a reaction has not clearly been established. Tolerance to these mycotoxins varies from person to person. Adverse reactions from dead mold or mold spores can happen even after the active (viable) mold has been removed. Common symptoms can include allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms), dermatitis (rashes), sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and aggravation of asthma. Some related symptoms are more general - such as inability to concentrate and fatigue. Usually, symptoms disappear after the contamination is removed, unless in extreme cases of exposure. 
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