Mold has been getting a lot of press the last few years, especially since mold infestation has become associated with "sick building syndrome".

Just to define terms, molds are microscopic, musty-smelling members of the fungi (fungus) family. Molds reproduce by releasing tiny spores into the air. Because these spores are so small, they can reach deep into your respiratory tract. Three of the most common molds/fungi found in indoors are Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, and Penicillium.

Both mold particles and mold spores in your home can lead to health problems, along with an even-scarier mold hazard.

Although you may have heard the term "toxic mold", it is actually a toxic substance released by some molds (called a mycotoxin) that is the most dangerous. The health hazards of some of these mycotoxins from molds such as Stachybotrys (a slimy black mold) and other species are now coming to light as people are filing homeowner's insurance claims and seeking medical treatment for mold invasion of their homes.

Ironically, Erin Brockovich, the working mother whose investigation into toxic groundwater contamination became the subject of a movie bearing her name, has been a victim of Stachybotrys home contamination. And a Florida councilwoman, Jacquie Hepfer, had to vacate her home after an invasion of toxic mold she found under the kitchen sink caused her to develop an array of health problems.

While true "sick building syndrome" may be uncommon (serious mycotoxin invasion requires professional remediation - do not attempt to clean it up yourself), it points out the fact that molds love and thrive on dampness.

Unfortunately, most homes have suffered some type of water damage, whether from a plumbing problem or a leaking roof. Even high humidity can give molds a happy reproductive environment. So once your home dries out, there may still be hidden sources of mold and mold spores trapped under the carpet or pad, in wallboard, wood, or numerous other areas.

Additionally, your pillows and bedding, air conditioner units, upholstery, shower stalls and other areas are ripe areas for mold fungus infestation. And unfortunately, cleaning is not very effective as a primary measure, since mold spores are very resistant organisms.

Molds are a serious issue in common illnesses such as allergies, asthma, and chronic sinus infections.

According to research published in a 2004 issue of the Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, "There is an accumulated weight of evidence linking indoor airborne mold and/or myocotoxin exposures to multisystem adverse human health effects."

All the evidence isn't in yet, but molds, mold spores and mycotoxins have been implicated in many other symptoms and disorders, including:

• Memory loss
• Learning disabilities
• Cancer
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Chronic fatigue
• Immune suppression
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lung hemorrhage in children
• Infections
• Kidney & liver disease
• Muscle or joint pain
• Neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive dysfunction
• And many, many more ...