Should I worry about mold growing in my home?

Mold growths are common in homes, and unless the damage is widespread, they usually aren't harmful. AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Mold growth in your home can be unsettling. Blackened spots and dusty patches on the walls are signs that something is amiss, but it is important to distinguish between mold growth that is a nuisance and mold growth that may be harmful.

There are more than 1 million species of fungi. Some are used to produce important medications. Others can cause life-threatening infections when they grow in the body.