Remove source of mold as soon as possible.
Rosie Romero
Special for The Arizona Republic

Mold is all around us. Some (mushrooms) you can eat, others (penicillin) make you better, but some can make you sick. Although the verdict is still out on some research, there's something we know for sure: Get rid of mold when you find it.

Are all molds dangerous to your health?
No. The human body can tolerate small amounts of mold; high doses are a concern. For the majority of molds, the most common side effects are allergic reactions due to indoor air- quality problems. Reactions range from sneezing or eye irritation to asthma attacks, and can occur in people with or without allergies. Children, elderly and those with impaired immune systems are more susceptible. Symptoms that are non-allergic or -irritant are not commonly reported, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, research is ongoing.

Although most molds produce allergens, under certain conditions some can release mycotoxins. In high doses, these can be toxic. In most cases, the amount produced is extremely small.

What else does mold do?
Mold causes damage, even in dry climates like Arizona. This can include an unsightly cosmetic stain or permanent damage to your home. The longer the mold is there, the more damage it will cause.

Where should you look for mold?
Mold is a natural fungus found all over the earth. All types of mold have one thing in common: They need moisture to survive. Some of the most common places to find mold in the home include bathroom (moisture from baths or showers), kitchen (steam from cooking), windows (condensation or bad flashing), attics (from roof leaks), roofs (weather), basements (underground), vents and ductwork (can have condensation and transfers airborne mold spores to other areas of the home) and crawl spaces.

Are there precautions that need to be taken while cleaning mold?
Especially if you have allergies or asthma, it is recommended to stay on the safe side and wear rubber gloves and goggles. A respirator also can be worn while cleaning. If you're working with drywall or wood, remember to treat the area with a proper water sealant after the moisture problem is fixed and the area is clean and mold-free. If the area is over 10 square feet, or if you're concerned with certain health problems, a professional can do the job.

There are concerns that even dead mold spores may be allergenic. Whenever possible, mold must be removed and not just cleaned.

How can you prevent mold?
Many people think that Arizona is immune to mold because of the dry climate, but mold can grow on a wet surface in 48 hours. The sooner the area is cleaned, the better. You must eliminate the moisture source. If you don't, mold will keep reappearing.

Take preventive measures at home.
Occasionally, check areas that are more susceptible to mold growth and get things fixed before much damage occurs. Make sure no sprinklers are hitting the house when they come on, don't use your air-conditioning system if you suspect mold contamination, etc. Additional insulation can prevent condensation on cold surfaces, such as windows, flooring and piping.