Mold

• Mold develops indoors when mold spores land on wet surfaces. Mold grows on carpet, cardboard, paper, ceiling tiles, wet cellulose and wood. Mold is black, white or green in color. Mold produces substances known as mycotoxins that cause allergic reactions if inhaled or touched. While most molds are considered relatively harmless to otherwise healthy people, one type is potentially dangerous. Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, has been linked to serious health effects such as acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), all mold is to be taken seriously and removed before adverse health effects are able to take place.
  
  

Mold Effects and Solutions

• Exposure to mold causes sensitive people to exhibit symptoms such as wheezing, skin rash, sneezing, nasal congestion and eye irritation. People who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma are at an increased risk of serious health effects. Mold occurs because of excess moisture inside the home, usually a water leak. Fix the water leak and clean the mold with bleach. As long as there is moisture, the mold is able to return. Call a licensed mold specialist if mold is severe inside a home.
  
  

Mildew

• Mildew is a problem when the humidity is 60 percent or higher and the weather is warm. Moisture inside a home causes mildew to grow on indoor surfaces. Wood, fabrics and other porous surfaces are able to become covered with mildew. Mildew is typically gray or black. Prevent mildew growth indoors by keeping an air conditioner on in humid weather, venting clothes dryers to the outside, installing ventilating fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and ventilating the attic.
  
  

Mildew Effects and Solutions

• Mildew is not harmful to health, but is often unsightly. Preventing mildew growth is important, but if mildew does appear in a home, remove it. Paint walls with mildew-proof paint, and remove mildew on rugs and carpets by loosening with a brush and vacuuming. Mildew causes fabrics to break down and rot, making it necessary to remove mildew spots as soon as they are noticed. Make a mixture of salt and lemon juice, and place it on the mildew stain to remove it. Scrubbing ceramic tile with household bleach and water also removes mildew.