Like Radon, mold spores are present outside and in every home. Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. How do Molds Affect People? Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none, depending on your sensitivity to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. There are also toxic forms of mold, such as Stachybotrys, known as black mold. If you have concerns related to mold in your home, Stephen and Son Home Inspection services sub-contracts with a company that is certified to collect air and surface samples that are then sent to a lab for analysis.