You already have a million things to take think about and worry about. Well, here's another... toxic mold. This stuff is not only nasty, but can potentially cause serious health problems and, conceivably, kill you.

Mold spores and mold-produced mycotoxins (which are also neurotoxins) are airborne products of mold that many people breath on a regular basis without even knowing it. Although not all molds contain toxins, there are some that can cause symptoms suchs as breathing difficulty, dizziness, and impaired memory and hearing. Most people (approxiamtely 25 million Americans) are unaware they are inhaling these mold bi-products until it's too late. There are thousands of different strains of molds, the most popular being cladosporium, penicillium, aspergillus, and alternaria spergillus. However, there are two that are particularly dangerous; chaetomium and stachybotrys chartarum that can lead to very nasty long-term health damage.

Molds need three things to survive: moisture, oxygen, and a source to feed on. Basements, attics, inside wall cavities, beneath wallpaper, and flooring are some common places for mold to grow since these are usually humid areas that can be susceptible to leakage from plumbing or inproper drainage.

Here are some common signs that may indicate the presence

of mold:
- musty odors
- speckled colored walls near any plumbing or pipes
- leaky roof, window, or door
- anywhere that has had plumbing or water damage
- damp, humid basement

If you are thinking about buying a new home or have any hesitation about mold in your existing home, it is always a good idea to get a mold inspection. Mold inspectors can identify where and what level of mold you have and help you determine a strategy to remedy the problem.