ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mold growth, assessment, and remediation

Have you ever seen bread or cheese that had some green or black spots on it? Those spots are called mold! Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on things that are moist and warm, like bread or cheese. People don't want mold in their houses because it can sometimes make them sick, especially if they have allergies or asthma.

Mold grows when there is moisture in a place for a long time. This can happen in places like a bathroom that doesn't have good ventilation, or in a basement that gets wet when it rains. It's important to make sure that these places are dry and well-ventilated, so that mold doesn't have a chance to grow.

If someone thinks that there is mold in their house, they can hire someone called a mold assessor to come and check. A mold assessor is like a detective who looks for clues that there might be mold, like a musty smell or dark spots on walls or ceilings. They might use special tools like a moisture meter to check if there is too much water in the air or in the walls.

If the mold assessor finds mold, then the next step is to remove it. This is called mold remediation. Mold remediation is like cleaning up a big mess. The mold remediation team will come in and wear special suits and masks to protect themselves from the mold. They will use special chemical cleaners to get rid of the mold, and they might need to tear out walls or carpeting that have been damaged by the mold.

Once the mold has been removed, it's important to keep the area dry and well-ventilated so that it doesn't come back. Often times, people will use dehumidifiers or fans to keep the air dry, and they might also seal up any cracks or leaks where water might get in.

So remember, mold is like the green or black spots that sometimes grow on bread or cheese. It grows in moist and warm places, and can sometimes make people sick. If someone thinks they have mold in their house, they can hire a mold assessor to check. If mold is found, then a mold remediation team will come in and remove it. And finally, it's important to keep the area dry and well-ventilated so that mold doesn't grow again.