Understanding Mold: Under the right conditions (moisture, a food source, and time) mold will grow, multiply and produce spores. Mold grows throughout nature as well as the built environment. Mold reproduces by microscopic cells called “spores” that can be spread easily through the air. Mold spores are always present in the indoor and outdoor air.

There are mold that can grow on any organic substrate including wood, paper, carpet, food, ceiling tiles, dried fish, carpet, or any surface where dust has accumulated. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed.

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold spores in the indoor environment. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control the amount of moisture available to the mold. Mold growth can become a problem in your home or office where there is sufficient moisture and the right foodstuff is available.

The key to preventing mold growth is to prevent all moisture problems. Of course, hidden mold can grow when there is water available behind walls, sinks, floors, etc. Indications of hidden moisture problems are discoloration of ceiling or walls, warped floors or condensation on the windows or walls.