Mold grows everywhere around the country and the world. People tend to associate humid climates with mold growth and assume that mold isn’t common in drier climates. While it’s true that mold growth is more common on building exteriors in humid parts of the country, it’s also true that lifestyle choices create much more humidity in our dwellings than we realize.

Consider the amount of humidity created while cooking on the stove or while boiling water. Think also about the amount of steam that comes off a hot shower. Couple this with the fact that modern homes are built much more air-tight than older homes, and that most people don’t often open their doors or windows for fresh air exchange. In reality, our homes – even in dry climates – are prime places for mold growth. All it takes for mold growth are a few simple ingredients.

There are literally over 100,000 different species of mold. Some of which are common to homes, and many more that are only found out in nature. Of those most commonly found in homes, which are the most dangerous? Actually, there aren’t any specifically “dangerous” mold species to humans. The reality is that every person reacts drastically differently to mold species and quantities of mold spores in an environment.

Consider this: if you walk outside right now you immediately have a 100% likelihood of subjecting yourself to microscopic amounts of airborne mold spores. So, mold spores in and of themselves aren’t dangerous. The problem occurs when a person is subject to a type of mold to which they are personally susceptible, and in large enough quantities. Even the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) does not have a certified level of mold spores in a home environment that is dangerous, or toxic.

What may be fine for one person (in terms of airborne mold spore count, and species) can be crippling for another. Mold exposure can cause headaches, shortness of breath, unexplainable fatigue, and overall body sickness. Symptoms can be very mild or can debilitate a person for life. Because the potential health concerns can be so devastating, mold should not be taken lightly.

If you have any concerns about mold in your home at all, the best way to begin is to contact your insurance company. If you aren’t incredibly familiar with your insurance policy, your insurance carrier or agent can tell you if mold is covered under your policy. Most often, it is not. Mold is typically considered a “maintenance” issue in a home, as it takes some degree of time to grow. Insurance most often only triggers a payable claim if the loss is “sudden and accidental.” Mold may be accidental, but since it’s not sudden (like a burst water pipe in a home, or a fire), it typically falls under the “homeowner neglect” category.

Whether you have insurance coverage or not, however, if you suspect mold, it’s worth the money to protect your health. Your next step should be to contact an indoor environmental hygienist. Companies such as these offer air quality tests. These tests allow the hygienist to determine if there are mold spores present, in what quantity, and in what type. Furthermore, if you should hire a mold remediation company, the hygienist’s report is invaluable to them in determining mold removal protocol.