Mold is a form of fungi and a part of nature. Just as other plants produce seeds to reproduce themselves, mold
produces tiny spores to reproduce itself. These spores are floating through outdoor and indoor air and water at
almost all times.
Mold spores need three things in order to grow: moisture, nutrients, and warm temperatures. Warm and humid
weather provides excellent conditions for mold to grow. This is why we have more mold problems in Florida
than in cooler and drier states.
Mold can have harmful effects on human health. We can be exposed to mold either by touching it or by
breathing air that contains mold spores. This exposure may cause allergic symptoms and health problems.
Reactions differ from person to person, but can include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sinus problems,
nosebleeds, asthma, skin and/or eye irritation, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and even memory loss.
Mold is also destructive to buildings and property. When mold spores grow, they decompose and digest the
surface that they are growing on. This results in damage to buildings and discoloration and deterioration of
furniture, books, and other items.