Most people know that locking doors and windows and installing security systems are front-line defenses for keeping burglars at bay. And some molds are definitely worse than others in terms of health risks for people. Nonetheless, Rose believes that media reports about deaths and home abandonments attributed to a toxic variety of mold, known as Stachybotrys atra, may be setting off unnecessary panic attacks among some homeowners. Documented incidence of Stachybotrys is fairly rare, he said. Further, he maintains that allegations linking new-home construction methods and materials to a higher incidence of deadly mold growth aren't necessarily supported by fact.
Mold can damage surfaces, and likely contributes to human respiratory ailments.
Rose said researchers have yet to determine a single cause for a worldwide increase in the number of asthma sufferers, but common household molds frequently turn up on everyone's short list of suspects. And if you just can't live with bare concrete walls, Rose suggests using Velcro to install rigid insulation panels, with some sort of finish, which can be removed to accommodate frequent inspection and cleaning.