When they die their bodies disintegrate into small fragments which can be stirred into the air and inhaled by people in that environment. Molds in the Air Molds play an important part in life cycles. They assist with the rotting of organic materials. Some molds cause illness and some, such as penicillin, cure illness. Certain molds help to develop the flavor of wines and cheeses, while others can cause them to spoil.
Molds are persistent.
They can live for years in a dormant state. To grow, the spores need moisture, warmth, still air, and a food source. When homes are dry, the spores are dormant. As soon as ordinary home humidity increases due to normal changing conditions like outdoor humidity or seasonally occurring basement seepage, the life cycle of the spores begins and the spores bloom and grow. As they mature, they produce more spores that are so tiny they can drift on air currents throughout the building.