Mold is toxic because of the mycotoxins it creates and releases into the air. These mycotoxins can lead to allergic reactions, bronchitis, fatigue, lupus, multiple sclerosis and many lung complications. Inhaling mold spores and mycotoxins lead to many more illnesses as well. The symptoms of these illnesses include coughing, wheezing, memory and hearing loss, dizziness and acid reflux. Mold grows anywhere where there is food, water and oxygen, such as damp basements, closets and bathrooms, even if the water has dried up. It doesn’t take a lot to support mold. “Food” for mold includes any organic material deposited on a surface, including dirt, skin cells, etc. Mold can also feed on any fibrous materials, including wood, fabric and leather. Molds also require only a minimal amount of moisture, and even if spores are dead, they can still cause injury. You can hire people to test for mold and to tell you what kind of mold you have. The most dangerous molds include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys. Most importantly, you should contact a personal injury attorney if you have mold in your home or workplace and you have become ill. It is often the responsibility of your landlord or employer to remove the mold, and they might also be responsible for any medical bills you incur. Mold is usually caused by a structural or construction defect or by maintenance neglect. Leaky roofs, faulty drainage, poor plumbing and other maintenance problems can lead to mold. Some remedies if you do find mold in your home or workplace include increasing sunlight and ventilation to the affected areas, purchasing new, non-porous building materials, and using household cleaners such as bleach.