Molds are a type of fungi that grow almost everywhere and are widely distributed in both natural and artificial environments. There are thousands of known species, but all require moisture for growth. Within buildings or homes, mold growth usually occurs after flooding or some other type of water leak. Mold that is allowed to grow and colonize indoors will eventually cause the destruction of building materials and may cause adverse health effects for the occupants. Read our Toxic Mold Hazard Alert for tips on how to prevent the growth of mold within your buildings and safety precautions for your employees.