MOLD, a common term for fungus, attacks organic materials such as paper, books, cloth, leather, and wood. Mold grows from spores, which are everywhere in our environment. Usually these spores are inactive, but they will germinate and multiply (grow) when the relative humidity increases to above 55%. In a home mold usually starts in bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, or any area that has poor ventilation and excessive humidity, like attics and crawlspaces.
Mold produces allergens, which can cause a reaction in people who are allergic to mold, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. For people who have asthma, molds can also cause asthma attacks. Some molds produce toxins, which are poisonous substances that can cause negative health effects in homes.