Is it mold or mould and what is it.

Mould is the British spelling whereas mold is preferred by the American english.

Both has the same exact meaning which is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. They are part of our natural environmen and they play an important role in the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material.

They can be found indoors and outdoors often found spreading over bread, cheese, books, and other things in the home such as walls, ceilings and etc.

They are microscopic, plant-like organisms, composed of long filaments called hyphae.

When mould hyphae are numerous enough to be seen by the naked eye they form a cottony mass called a mycelium. It is the hyphae and resulting mycelia that invade things in our homes and cause them to decay.

Moulds are reproduce by spores and these spores are like seeds; they germinate to produce a new mould colony when they land in a suitable place. They spread throug the air and by mold mites and booklice which feeds on the mold and mold spores.

Molds come in many colors including white, pink, yellow and black. They thrive in wet or damp spot and as they grow, they will digest whatever they are growing on.

Unchecked mold growth can damage buildings and furnishings; molds can rot wood, damage drywall, and eventually cause structural damage to buildings. Mold can cause cosmetic damage, such as stains, to furnishings. The potential human health effects of mold are also a concern. It is important, therefore, to prevent mold from growing indoors.

People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. People allergic to mold may have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. If you or your family members have health problems after exposure to mold, contact your doctor or other health care provider.