Facts About Mold

What is mold?

• Mold (mildew), mushrooms, and yeast are all types of fungi. Fungi are found both indoors and outdoors.
• Hundreds of different kinds of mold are commonly found in the United States and New York City.

How do I know it's mold?

• Mold can be many different colors. It may look furry, slimy, or powdery.
• Some mold has a musty, stale, or earthy odor.
• Mold usually grows in damp places, such as bathrooms and basements.

How does mold grow?

• Mold needs water and food. It can grow almost anywhere there is water, high humidity, or damp conditions.
• Mold grows faster in warm temperatures and high humidity.
• Mold can feed on paper, fabric, wallpaper glue, sheetrock, wood, soap scum, leather, and many other surfaces.

How are people exposed to mold?

• You can breathe in mold particles if mold is disturbed or damaged.
• You can also breathe in tiny spores (similar to seeds) that mold may release into the air.
• You can touch mold and get it on your skin.
• You can swallow mold if you eat moldy or spoiled food.

What are the health effects of mold?

• Some people are allergic to molds.
• Mold exposure may cause or worsen asthma symptoms, hay fever, or other allergies.
• The most common symptoms of mold exposure are cough, congestion, runny nose, and trouble breathing. Symptoms usually disappear after the mold contamination is removed.
• More severe reactions to mold may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of mold on the job, such as farmers working with moldy hay.

Should I see a doctor if I have been exposed to mold?

• If you think that you or your children have symptoms related to mold exposure, you should see a doctor. Keep in mind that many symptoms associated with mold exposure are also caused by many other illnesses.

How can mold be prevented?

• The best way is to remove water and moisture sources. Fixing leaks, drying damp areas, and removing humidity from the air (e.g., using a dehumidifier in basements; cracking a window while taking a shower in bathrooms with no exhaust ventilation) will help stop mold growth and keep it from coming back.  

More Information

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Visit http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html#Resources%20List for a list of EPA's information on mold. For those seeking to learn more about mold, the EPA offers a free online course at http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/index.html.

 Source: NYC Department of Mental Health and Hygiene