Mold is a fungi. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

A mold spore is as viable as a plant seed. Some mold spore's can lay dormant for up to twenty years awaiting the moment they can absorb enough moisture to begin its life cycle again.
All molds share the characteristic of being able to grow without sunlight; mold needs only a viable seed (spore), a nutrient source, moisture, and the right temperature to proliferate.

Dangers of Mold Growth

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Many people still don't fully understand the health hazards of fungal exposure. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).Airborne mycotoxins can definitely destroy one's health. The disturbing factor about airborne mycotoxins is that it is impossible to know how much damage they have caused to one's health until it is too late. Sometimes, people are unaware that they are breathing mold spores and mycotoxins until they are very sick. Therefore, it is imperative to not knowingly expose oneself even for brief periods of time in any place that smells moldy or has an appearance of mold or mildew.

Not only inhaling but touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.

In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide. The most dangerous mold strains are: Chaetomium (pronounced Kay-toe-MEE-yum) and Stachybotrys chartarum (pronounced Stack-ee-BOT-ris Shar-TAR-um) as they have been proven to produce demylenating mycotoxins among others, meaning they can lead to autoimmune disease. Under certain growth and environmental conditions, both of these fungi release toxic, microscopic spores and several types of mycotoxins that can cause the worst symptoms which are usually irreversible such as neurological and immunological damage. People who have been exposed to the dangerous molds such as Stachybotrys or Chaetomium, could suffer from a myriad of serious symptoms and illnesses such as chronic bronchitis, learning disabilities, mental deficiencies, heart problems, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple chemical sensitivity, bleeding lungs and much more.

How to treat mold

The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. Here are some tips for fighting mold:

• Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth. You can do this by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever possible.
• Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely.
  Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
  Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
• In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present, including grout. Gout is a cement-based material, and like all cement-based materials, is not completely waterproof.

Since grout is not waterproof, moisture is absorbed into the grout . Moisture being held in suspension first breeds mold, but more important, that moisture gets past the surface and into the wall which will create an ideal environment for mold to live and thieve. That moister may also cause a whole other problem: Structural Damage.