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Molds and Moisture

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Mold Basics Mold Cleanup Cleanup Guidelines Hidden Mold Mold Image Library Introduction to Mold Mold Course Prevention and Control Tips What to Wear When Cleaning Mold Flood Cleanup Español Indoor Air Quality

animated mold cleanup steps

Mold cleanup steps

If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced. Learn more

Mold growing in a Petri dish

Mold growing in a Petri dish

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors. Read an Introduction to Mold.

Mold Resources

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"

PDF Version (20 pp, 1.4 M, About PDF)
EPA 402-K-02-003, Reprinted September 2010



Una Breve Guia para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar
Una Breve Guía para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar

está disponible en el formato PDF (PDF, 11 pp, 1.28 M)
Documento de la agencia EPA número 402-K-03-008, reimprimido el 2010 de mayo

Mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings
"Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings"

PDF Version (56 pp, 1.6 M)
EPA 402-K-01-001, Reprinted September 2008

Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2013-102, November 2012

NIOSH Alert!

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published: Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings. The guidance includes a building inspection checklist and may be of interest to people working in office buildings, schools and other nonindustrial buildings. Find the guidance at www.cdc.gov/niosh.

Mold Course

If you are an environmental and/or public health professional, take the Mold Course "Introduction to Mold and Mold Remediation for Environmental and Public Health Professionals." Designed primarily for environmental and public health professionals, the Mold Course has nine chapters; these chapters are further divided into smaller lessons. At the end of the course there is a voluntary knowledge test on the material covered. A Mold Image Library contains mold-related images in seven categories. These photos may be used for presentations and educational purposes without contacting EPA.

Clinician's Guide on Mold and Moisture

September 30, 2004

Clinicians Guidance

The "Guidance for Clinicians on the Recognition and Management of Health Effects Related to Mold Exposure and Moisture Indoors" was designed to help the healthcare provider address patients with illnesses related to mold in the indoor environment by providing background understanding of how mold may be affecting patients.
Find the guidance at http://oehc.uchc.edu/CIEH.asp.exiting EPA.

Contact the Mold Web editor to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem about this website.

Basic Information Where You Live Frequent Questions Publications Glossary of Terms Related Links EPA's Natural Emergencies El medio ambiente y su salud: Moho

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Top Three Questions/Tasks
  1. Should I use bleach to clean up mold?
  2. How can I tell if I have a mold problem?
  3. What are the basic mold cleanup steps?

Additional Questions on Mold.

Questions on Indoor Air Quality

Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies

Information on Flood Cleanup

EPA's Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies

Emergency Preparedness at http://www.ready.gov/

Sometimes the power goes out after a flood. Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Additional Resources

IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit - "IAQ Reference Guide - Appendix H: Mold and Moisture".
Indoor Air Quality Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM) Text Modules: Fundamentals of IAQ in Buildings.
"Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers - Appendix C: Moisture, Mold and Mildew".
WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould (PDF) (248 pp., 2.65 M) exiting epa World Health Organization, 2009

Take a Tour of the IAQ House

IAQ House

Get a quick glimpse of some of the most important ways to protect the air in your home. Tour the IAQ House. Room-by-room, you'll learn about and how to address key pollutants. Get an Introduction to Indoor Air Quality.

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