Mold cannot grow without some moisture to get the enzymes activated and a surface to incubate the spores. Unfortunately, the sheet rock in most homes is a perfect medium for growing mold. It also likes to grow in carpets, around bathroom fixtures, basement walls and ceiling vents. Mold can quickly damage paint and wallpaper, actually growing right through the paint and the paper. Wiping it off will not work once the paint or paper is compromised, the mold will just keep on growing.
Even worse, mold is very dangerous to your health. Breathing in mold spores can create a lot of respiratory issues, especially if you already suffer from asthma, allergies, COPD, or other respiratory problems. With even slight exposure to molds and spores, sensitive people may experience headaches, runny noses, skin rashes, nausea, sinus problems, memory loss and coughs. You may feel listless for extended periods of time or feel as though you have a perpetual case of the flu. Newborns, the elderly, the sick, and those with compromised immune systems can be affected severely, even fatally. Babies and toddlers, who love to crawl around on possibly moldy carpets and stick possibly moldy things in their mouths, also are highly vulnerable to mold-induced illnesses. Mold should be taken very seriously.