1. Mold doesn't have a strong smell.
   You might not be able to distinguish between the smells of dangerous and harmless molds.
2. If the mold is dangerous, you don't want to inhale it at all.

Most of us can identify the telltale smell of mold, in general. But we may not know which mold is bad for us, based only on its smell.

1. black mold
   green mold
2. all mold

Mycotoxins are the chemicals produced by some molds that can cause health problems. Some theorize that the mold produces them specifically to weaken its host.

1. those with high levels of toxins
   those with any toxins
2. any molds, even those which are non-toxic

Even non-toxic molds can cause some negative reactions in some people. Common problems due to mold relate to respiration.

1. exclusion of mold damage from homeowners' insurance
   mutations that have led to faster-growing mold
2. newer building materials that are more susceptible to mold damage

Mold spreads rapidly, and now that many insurance policies exclude mold damage or limit payments for it, a mold outbreak can be very costly.

1. a fungus
   a bacteria
2. a single-celled animal

Mold spreads via spores which are present almost everywhere. When the conditions are right, those spores will grow into colonies of mold.

1. about 100
   almost 1,000
2. over 10,000

One of the more common toxic molds, Stachybotrys chartarum, isn't common among molds in general, but also is not particularly rare.

1. eliminating excess moisture
   keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible
2. testing for mold regularly

Mold requires moisture to grow, so eliminating excess moisture in your house will make mold infestation significantly less likely.

1. steam from the shower
   liquid from wall paint
2. heat from a convection oven

Even steam from cooking might be enough o cause mold growth if the room is not properly ventilated.

1. around windows
   attics
2. carpeted floors

Differences in temperature between the inside and outside can lead to condensation, which may cause moisture to accumulate and mold to grow.

1. rashes and eye irritation
   coughing and diarrhea
2. sore throat and headache

There are a large range of symptoms that may indicate a mold infestation. Others include stuffy nose and wheezy breathing.

1. fever
   fainting
2. heart palpitations

Shortness of breath is another of the more serious symptoms that might occur with mold in the house. But even without any ill effects, there still may be dangerous mold present in your home.

1. spreading spores to other areas of the house
   inhaling a dangerous quantity of mold
2. letting mold spores in that you will then recover

If the spores spread, you could end up with an infestation in a part of the house that was previously uncontaminated. Consult a professional when checking these spots.

1. turning off your air conditioner, heater and fan
   wearing a mask
2. keeping your windows open

By turning off the HVAC unit, you will prevent it from blowing the spores around.

1. enclosed or covered spaces
   exposed surfaces
2. upper floors

Under carpets, behind drapes or drywall and inside ducts are all common places for mold to grow.

1. determining the type of mold you have
   fixing the problem that led to the mold infestation
2. throwing out any movable objects that have been affected by the mold

The type of mold is less of a concern than simply preventing it from returning a second time. If you don't address that issue, you'll just be wasting your time.

1. five feet square
   ten feet square
2. twenty feet square

Even if the space is smaller, you might still want to hire a professional if it is a complicated removal, such as one that contains contaminated water.

1. a respirator and goggles
   asbestos gloves and jacket
2. ear plugs and boots

Long sleeves and rubber gloves are also recommended. You should also make sure that the goggles are not vented.

1. carpets and upholstery
   leather goods
2. washers and dryers

Some things are better thrown out if they get infested, since cleaning them effectively is extremely difficult.

1. difficulty of use and lack of expiration dates
   only testing for the most common types of mold
2. high cost

Due to these problems, a 2006 Consumer Reports study gave none of the tested kits a recommendation.

1. 10-20 percent
   30-50 percent
2. 45-60 percent

Air conditioners and dehumidifiers both can help remove unwanted humidity from the air in your home.