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Mold has been part of the human environment
since we started walking the planet. There are more than 100,000
species of mold and at least 1,000 varieties are common in the U.S.
As such, molds and mold spores are everywhere. The air we breathe
is a virtual jungle of fungal spores and we regularly encounter
mold spores as part of everyday life.
There have been recent concerns about mold appearing
on lumber and other wood products. Western Wood Products Association
has developed a number of materials detailing the nature of mold,
how to protect and control mold on wood products and how to clean
mold on wood. The Association has also published a scientific paper
authored by two top experts in the field to address common questions
about mold and wood.
These materials are available for review online and
digital versions may be downloaded using the links shown with each
title. Also, additional information on mold can be found at some
of the suggested web sites listed below.
WWPA Publications
Mold, Housing and Wood (TG-2) 
By Coreen Robbins, Ph.D and Jeff Morrell, Ph.D
12 pages, published 2001, revised January 2006
Explains why and how mold grows on nearly any material
including wood, steps that can be taken to prevent, control and
remove mold, and current scientific information about the health
effects of mold. A printed edition of this publication is available
for $2.50 per copy. Go to the Online
Literature Store to order.
Fast Facts - Mold and Wood Products
No. 1: What is mold?
2 pages, published August 2002
Basic information on mold, why it grows on wood and
what kinds of mold typically grow on wood.
Fast Facts - Mold and Wood Products
No. 2: Preventing and controlling mold
2 pages, published August 2002
Outlines ways to protect wood products from moisture,
which is a critical ingredient for mold growth.
Fast Facts - Mold and Wood Products
No. 3: Cleaning mold on wood
2 pages, published August 2002
Recommendations for when and how to clean mold on
wood, including methods offered by the U.S Centers for Disease Control
and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Other web resources on mold
Common Questions and Answers About Mold and Wood-Based
Products
U.S. Forest Products Laboratory
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/rmmn/rmmn--moldqa.html
Mold and Mildew
Restoration Consultants
www.restcon.com/links/articles/mold_and_mildew.html
Facts About Mold
American Industrial Hygiene Association
www.aiha.org/content/accessinfo/consumer/factsaboutmold.htm
Mold: Causes, Health Effects and Clean-Up
Building Science Corporation
www.buildingscience.com/resources/mold/mold_causes.pdf
Mold Resources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html
Lumber Storage
WWPA Online Lumber Technical Guide (free registration required)
www.wwpa.org/techguide
Mold, Moisture and Lumber
Southern Pine Council
www.southernpine.com/mold.shtml
Construction Tips for Building Moisture Resistant
Houses
APA – The Engineered Wood Association
www.buildabetterhome.org
A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html
Questions and Answers about Stachybotrys chartarum
and Other Molds
U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm
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