Molds exist naturally in soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying material. Molds play an essential role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant matter. As a member of the kingdom Fungi, molds lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plant materials. A world without molds would be covered and overwhelmed with large amounts of dead plant matter.
Molds produce tiny spores in the air as their way of reproduction, just as some plants produce seeds. The mold spores are found in both indoor and outdoor air. When most spores land on a damp area with the proper nutrients they will begin to grow. Mold digests whatever it is growing on, so stopping mold growth in early stages will prevent damage to furnishing and building materials.
Mold growth is familiar to most people when it is seen as a fuzzy patch or stain spreading across food or damp surfaces. It is understood that many molds produce chemicals that can be harmful if digested. An extremely small number of these chemicals are commonly found in indoor air and are not suspected to be a health hazard to the general public.
Mold exposure from breathing indoor or outdoor air can be irritating and can aggravate allergies and asthma. Very few molds are known to cause chronic health effects to individuals who inhale them. Mold found in homes is mainly mold that causes allergies, stuffiness, and coughing symptoms.
It can not be expected for a building to be entirely free of mold, nor is it necessary. However, mold growth on indoor surfaces is a sign of moisture presence, and this source should be identified and remediated. Indoor mold growth should be removed regardless of mold type, using correct cleaning methods for small spots and careful attention to dust control, seeking professional assistance for larger amounts. A 1:10 ratio of bleach to water will kill a majority of minor indoor mold cases.
The South Central Environmental Health Consortium (SCEHC) provides residents in Sauk, Adams, and Juneau counties with information for mold clean up and contact information for Mold Remediation Contractors.
The SCEHC also provides onsite mold investigation for residents who meet certain criteria. To qualify for an onsite mold investigation a person must first fill out a SCEHC Mold Complaint Evaluation Form. The form must be completely filled out and then mailed into the SCEHC. The SCEHC staff will contact the complainant upon review of the evaluation form. If it is determined that an onsite investigation is warranted the SCEHC staff member will set up a time and date to meet with the complainant.
The SCEHC Mold Complaint Evaluation Form can be found at the bottom of the page in the Documents section. A form can also be received by mail upon request to the SCEHC.
Public Health Office 
Sauk County West Square Building
Room #372
505 Broadway
Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone: (608) 355-3290
Fax: (608) 355-4329
PH Director - Cynthia Bodendein, RN, MSN
Home Care Deputy Director - Cathy Warwick BSN
Environmental Health Manager - Mitchell Lohr RS, BS
