What causes mold allergies?                                     There are thousands of types of mold, but only a small number of molds are widely recognized allergens. The seeds of molds are called spores. Each spore that germinates creates new mold growth, which in turn can produce millions of spores. Because they are so tiny, the spores may get past the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract, and bring on allergy symptoms. Molds can grow wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and a few chemicals which they need to thrive. Mold grows inside the home, and flourishes in areas that are warm, moist, and dimly lit. An established mold colony can be seen as spots or streaks. It is not the mold growth itself which contains the allergens, but the mold spores. Once these spores become airborne and are inhaled, your mold allergy symptoms begin. The most common symptoms associated with mold allergies are: -Nasal stuffiness -Eye irritation -Wheezing -Aggravation of asthma symptoms -Cold and flu like symptoms