1. What causes mold and mildew to grow?

Mold and Mildew require moisture and a source of nutrients to grow. http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html

2. What is mold?

Mold is found everywhere both indoors and outdoors.  There are hundreds of species of mold in the U.S.  http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/epimold.shtml

3.  Is mold harmful to a person?

Yes, molds produce allergens that most people are allergic to.  People may develop hay fever like symptoms.

http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/chapter1/lesson3.html

4.  Why are we hearing more about mold and mildew today?

Mold and mildew have always been problematic, but natural catastrophes (Hurricanes Katrina and Andrew) that recently occurred had large scale flooding that displaced thousands of people.  More people started to wonder how these displaced people would return to their damaged homes and businesses and it became a news worthy item.

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html

5.  Do all building materials support the growth of mold and mildew?

No, STRONG-ENVIRO BOARD has undergone ASTM G21/G22 testing and shows no mold/mildew growth.  Mold will grow on most organic substances and most building materials have or are made of organic materials. STRONG-ENVIRO BOARD contains NO organic materials. http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/chapter1/lesson2.html

6.  Should I worry about moisture at my construction site?

STRONG-ENVIRO BOARD is moisture resistant.  Moisture present at a construction site can cause future problems.  Lewis Harriman, "Preventing Mold by Keeping New Construction Dry", ASHRAE Journal, September 2002.

7.  Once mold or mildew has developed inside my residence or business, how can I clean it up?

The most important thing to remember is that you must protect yourself and the people involved in the cleanup before commencing with any cleanup efforts.  http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/chapter4/home.html

In some cases you may have to hire a professional mold remediator to undertake the cleanup task.