Some forms of household molds can become a health risk . Sick Home Syndrome (SHS), or more commonly known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) are just two illnesses that can be linked to household molds. Molds are a part of our natural environment. Molds reproduce by ways of tiny spores that are invisible to the naked eye. These spores can begin growing when they land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, but none of them can grow without moisture or water.

More and more people are becoming conscious of the health concerns associated with the quality of the air we breathe. The effects of toxic mold can be significantly reduced when house mold is identified and prevented from spreading. Breathing and touching mold can cause an allergic reaction to some sensitive people. It also increases all symptoms of asthma. Mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, throat, and lungs of both people allergic to mold and also non-allergic people.

Sick buildings are one of the major causes of fungal illness, primarily mycotoxicosis, in industrialized nations today. The average American physician knows only how to identify a mold hyphae under a microscope, at best. Mycotoxicosis, often mistakenly called "Toxic Mold Syndrome" out of ignorance, has reached epidemic proportions at a national level in the United States due to defective construction, lack of regular maintenance, shoddy and inappropriate building materials and ignorance.

Mold infestation can be obvious or it can be hidden in places like behind walls and underneath appliances. Occupants often become sick from exposure before a mold problem is even suspected. Mold can grow in between walls and in the HVAC systems throughout your home without anyone realizing the problem. It is impossible to get rid of all mold spores, but mold will not grow without water present.

Common Household Mold

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Aspergillus
• Alternaria
• Mucor