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Fairfield Department of Health IAQ Contact Person: Deb Kilbarger,
RS 740-653-4489 x 171 Mold is a living organism that
occurs naturally in our environment. It grows in damp or
wet environments and eats the matter on which it grows.
Outdoors, mold is an integral part in the natural breakdown of
dead organic matter like fallen leaves and dead trees.
Indoors, however, mold can become a serious health threat.
Molds use microscopic spores which float through the air to
reproduce. If there is a high enough concentration of mold
in an indoor environment, it may cause allergic reactions,
asthma attacks, infections, or other respiratory problems.
Continuous exposure to high levels of mold may lead to allergies
or increased individual sensitivity. Mold will not grow
unless water is present. If you have mold growing in your
home, there is a moisture problem that must be addressed.
The sooner the source of moisture (i.e. leaky plumbing) is
removed, the less mold will need to be cleaned up. If you
have a water problem, it is best to correct the problem within
24-48 hours to help prevent mold from growing and spreading.
Mold Resources:
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