Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. They are needed for breaking down dead materials. Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight, and this allows them to travel through the air. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging in color from white to orange and from green to brown to black. In large numbers, mold spores can cause nasal and sinus congestion, dry cough, wheezing, sore throat, shortness of breath, burning eyes, skin irritation, central nervous system problems and other respiratory problems.
Mold growths can cause allergic symptoms and permanent structural damage as well.
If you can see or smell mold, you have a moisture and mold problem. Mold growths are often seen in the form of discoloration. And look for previous water damage on porous materials. The Minnesota Department of Health does not recommend testing as the first step to determine if you have a mold problem. Reliable sampling for mold can be expensive and sampling equipment for airborne mold is not available to the general public.