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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.

Publications and Resources Mold Course
Read "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" (En Espaņol).

If you are a building manager, custodian, or other person responsible for commercial buildings and school maintenance, read "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings". (This guidance also applies to residences.)

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. The guidance was published in 2004, with support from a grant by the U.S. EPA, by the Center for Indoor Environments and Health, or CIEH at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Go to the CIEH Web site. exiting EPA | Download the "Clinician's Guide on Mold and Moisture PDF" (120 pp., 1.13 M) exiting EPA.

 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." This web-only course contains information on mold prevention and remediation. Learn more

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 each chapter there is a voluntary quiz to test your understanding of the material covered.

Take a short quiz on your current mold knowledge; begin with the Pre-Test. 

The Mold Image Library contains mold-related images in seven categories. These photos may be used for presentations and educational purposes without contacting EPA.

Mold growing in a Petri dish
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.

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

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

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".

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