A frequent question posited by clients is where their mold issue stemmed from. Often, if there is a mold issue relating to an elevated humidity issue in a property, such as is often found in properties by the sea, there is a bafflement as to how the mold started. The following points outline where the mold has come from: 
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• Mold spores are naturally present in our environment, most notably outside. The most commonly found mold outside is the Cladosporium genus. What often happens is the mold spores latch onto shoes, clothing, animals fur etc., which is how they make their way indoors. Furthermore, they can enter the property through intake and exhaust vents. 
• What then occurs, in the case of a property with elevated humidity (i.e. humidity greater than 60% is conducive to mold growth), the mold spores find themselves in an area with a natural moisture source. One will notice that after they shower, the moisture percentage on the drywall is much higher than in its natural state. What then occurs, in a room with naturally elevated high humidity, the spores will find a sufficient moisture source on the humid drywalls, as well as a sufficient food source (drywall/cellulose). 
• To combat this issue, such as with an elevated humidity level in a room, it is recommended having a commercial grade dehumidifier installed in the room/property. 

When a mold professional is performing an air quality test in your property, ensure they are documenting all of the current conditions i.e. AC on/off, open windows, heavy foot-traffic, mold recently disturbed in a any way. All of these conditions can potentially affect the air quality test results. 

It is expounded by OSHA guidelines that mold contamination in various types of building infrastrature contribute and compound poor indoor air quality; this includes contributing towards the notion of ‘building-related illness’. The main concerns surrounding microbial contamination, include irritation, pulmonary issues, cardiovascular concerns, nervous system concerns and various carcinogenic effects.
 
According to OSHA, various irritation effects, especially due to VOCs released by mold via mold sporulation (reproduction) have been displayed and documented in various case studies conducted on workers. Furthermore, sodden materials caused by water leaks are known to harbor and proliferate microorganisms which can compromise the air quality. This is noted by the musty odor often describe by those experiencing mold contamination in a property, which is the result of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) being produced during microbial growth.
 
According to OSHA, cancer is another concern due to the toxigenic fungi present, and mycotoxins produced by mold during metabolism. In reference to these concerns, it was noted by the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) that,

"[t]he toxigenic fungi are common contaminants of stored grain and other food products and have caused well-described outbreaks of acute systemic toxicosis as well as specific organ carcinogenesis when such food is consumed. It appears clear that massive contamination with a highly toxigenic fungus strain of a site in which aerial dispersion of metabolic products occurred would be necessary to induce acute symptoms. However, considering the carcinogenicity of many fungal toxins, an examination of the risks of chronic inhalation exposure appears justified".

Disclaimer: Mold Mitigation Professionals do not represent OSHA, or ACGIH, or have any affiliation with either body.