Mold is a fungus that is present everywhere you go. It’s in the air you breathe and on most of the surfaces, you interact with on a daily basis. 
The spores of mold travel through the air and land wherever they can find a hospitable environment, usually where it’s moist. From there the mold grows and spreads and can form an infestation.
Why is Mold Dangerous?
Exposure to mold can, unfortunately, have a negative effect on a person’s health. In people who have a sensitivity to mold, the fungi can cause the uncomfortable symptoms of seasonal allergies. Nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing and wheezing, red and watery eyes, and even, in some cases, skin rashes. Some people are actually allergic to mold and many people with chronic lung illnesses will develop dangerous infections in their lungs when exposed to mold. In addition, mold has been found to negatively impact a person’s asthma, causing respiratory distress.
Mold can also be dangerous to the health of your home. Certain types of mold can cause severe damage to the materials that built your house. Mold feeds on organic matter found any materials like wood, paper, and even glue. Over time, mold can eat through walls and wallpaper, ceiling tiles, floorboards, and supporting structures of a home.
How Do I Get Rid of Mold?
It’s easy to take care of minor cosmetic mold problems. Mold can be reduced or eliminated in places like showers and bathrooms by reducing moisture in the area and keeping things clean. Surface mold can easily be scrubbed away with bleach.
However, since mold can grow and spread without detection, you could be looking at a much more serious infestation than what it appears. Once you know that the mold you’re looking at is more than surface deep, it’s time to get to work.
It’s important to be very careful when you start to remove mold. Cutting into the mold can release mold spores into the air, furthering its spread. To keep it from spreading to the rest of the house, turn off air conditioners or furnaces and cover all air ducts, containing the spores in one area. The most important part of cleaning up after the mold is to remove all contaminated materials. Make sure when you’re removing things like moldy carpet or insulation, that you bag everything two or three times to contain the mold. Vacuum everything off when you’re done and be sure to thoroughly dry everything to prevent a new infestation from forming.