Mold Image Library

The image library contains mold-related images in seven categories. There are also animated images that you can choose to view and download. Each photo has a larger, higher resolution version. To download the higher resolution version of a photo, click on the thumbnail. When the window opens, right click and choose whether you want to copy or print the photo. If copying, paste the photo into a photo-editor program or presentation.

These photos may be used for presentations and educational purposes without contacting EPA — please see EPA's Privacy and Security Notice for more information.

Mold in the Environment
Magnified Mold
Moisture and Moisture Damage
Prevention
Mold in Buildings
Finding Mold and Moisture
Cleaning and Remediation
Animated Images

Mold in the Environment

Molds come in many colors, forms and textures. They serve a critical role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in the environment.

a hand holding partially decomposed beech leaves

Magnified Mold

Under magnification it is possible to further see the diversity in mold species and to see the individual mold spores. The same species of mold can even change in color and appearance over time.

highly magnified mold spores lit from behind

Moisture and Moisture Damage

Excess moisture is the ultimate cause of mold growth indoors. The source of the moisture may be a leak, improper or insufficient sealing or insulation or high humidity. It is important to understand this signs of moisture and moisture damage to fix the issue prior to any mold growth indoors.

acoustic ceiling tiles with water damage

Mineral deposits on the surface of a dirt crawl space

Prevention

Below are examples of potential issues that may lead to moisture problems and their remedies

Moisture issue: Foundation is wet; drain gutters are too short.

Moisture issue: Rainwater is falling and collecting near the foundation of this house.

Moisture issue: Disconnected downspout deposits rainwater from roof onto walls and near foundation.

Moisture Issue: A lawn sprinkler is located near the outside wall of a building

Moisture Issue: Foundation was chronically wet, water and mold damage was found

An example of window flashing, applied so that water drains to the outside

Rust is an indication that condensation occurs on this drainpipe.

Moisture issue: Condensation on uninsulated air conditioning duct.

Example of a drain pan beneath a cooling coil that slopes to a drain line

Example of a crawlspace without mold or water problems.

Example of an exhaust hood and fan over a stovetop in a kitchen.

Mold in Buildings

Mold can grow on a wide variety of materials and locations indoors if there is moisture available.

Mold growing on a suitcase stored in a humid basement.

Basement apartment (3-4 feet below ground) with mold on painted gypsum board

Mold on painted concrete in a school building.

Plumbing leak inside wall led to mold on paneling behind mirror above bathroom sink.

Moisture damage and mold growth under bathtubs.

Mold inside a bathroom cabinet where condensation forms.

Extensive mold contamination of ceiling and walls.

Mold on basement ceiling resulting from chronic high humidity

Mold on first floor beneath a through-the-wall air conditioner on the second floor.

Mold surrounding air conditioning vent in ceiling due to water leak.

Mold growing on oriented strand board used for structural wood floor in crawl space.

Mold growth on fiberboard shelf (left) and on cardboard boxes

Finding Mold and Moisture

Most mold is found by simply looking. It can also be helpful to use a moisture meter to identify areas of concern even if mold growth is not yet visible.

Mold (and dirt) beneath refrigerator due to chronic drip-pan overflows.

Mold on a vacuum cleaner stored in a damp basement.

Moisture meter and moldy roof sheathing.

Measuring moisture levels of a subfloor.

Moisture meter, showing high moisture content in gypsum board behind tile.

Mold growth under ceramic tiles in a bathroom.

Mushrooms growing at the base of and behind the baseboard below a water leak in a bathroom.

Opening a wall with a utility knife to minimize disturbance to mold in the wall cavity.

Inside of wall from above, moldy gypsum board, insulation.

Looking for mold in wall cavities by removing a section of drywall.

Clear plastic tape is used to collect a sample.

Bulk samples can be examined using reflective light microscopes

Cleaning and Remediation

When cleaning or removing mold, it is important wear personal protective equipment (PPE), use the proper tools and set up containment in the affected area.