Molds can be handled by controlling moisture inside the building. If a pipe leaks, you may be angry with the plumber who fixed it last week and did not get it right, but do not leave it dripping until he comes back. Shut off the water in that area and begin drying out the wallboard, the cabinet or the carpet which has been saturated. This is no time for deferred maintenance. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper or carpet.
Moisture makes the growth possible.
They point out that water damage may be the result of defective plumbing, construction defect, flooding from a city sewer system, or negligent maintenance by a landlord. Stachybotrys are common in the western states. Spores of the Stachybotrys fungus are in soil and are introduced along with flood waters or dust and dirt entering a building. The fungus is most common on the paper covering of sheetrock but can also be found on wallpaper, ceiling tiles, paper products, carpets with natural fibers, paper covering on insulated pipes, insulation material, on wood, and on general organic debris. When seen, the fungus generally has a black appearance and will be slightly shiny if wet, a powdery appearance if dry.