The first thing to understand about mold is that there is a little mold everywhere – indoors and outdoors. It's in the air and can be found on plants, foods, dry leaves, and other organic materials.

It's very common to find molds in homes and buildings. After all, molds grow naturally indoors. And mold spores enter the home through doorways, windows, and heating and air conditioning systems. Spores also enter the home on animals, clothing, shoes, bags and people.

When mold spores drop where there is excessive moisture in your home, they will grow. Common problem sites include humidifiers, leaky roofs and pipes, overflowing sinks, bath tubs and plant pots, steam from cooking, wet clothes drying indoors, dryers exhausting indoors, or where there was flooding.

TO FIND OUT IF MOLD IS A PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME you must have a mold inspection conducted by one of three methods:

• VISUAL INSPECTION: will identify any visible water leaks or moisture stains on ceilings, walls, floors or anywhere visible.

• AIR SAMPLING: will determine the type and amount of airborne mold in home. (usually about a 48 to 72 hour turnaround time to send sample air or swab to lab for testing)

• SWAB TEST: will determine type of specific mold types by wiping the area surface with a sterile swab.

HOW CAN SOMEONE BE EXPOSED TO MOLD?
1. Breathing in the spores form the air.
2. Skin contact from handling an item that has mold.
3. Eating without properly washing your hands after handling moldy objects.

CAN MOLD CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS?
1. Itching or irritation of the nose, throat, skin or eyes
2. Sinus infections
3. Respiratory problems and more

WHERE IS MOLD FOUND IN HOMES?
1. Basements, kitchens
2. The surface of walls and where condensation forms
3. Ceilings, attics and hvac systems

HOW CAN I REDUCE OR REMOVE MOLD FROM MY HOUSE?
1. Repair any water intrusion
2. Air circulation is important
3. Use proper venting for baths, laundry and kitchen exhaust fans
4. Proper attic vents and insulation
5. Remove all contaminated material immediately to avoid spreading