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Mold can be hazardous to your health. Some people are allergic to mold and experience a reaction when exposed to mold spores. The reaction varies from person-to-person, but can include a runny nose, skin irritation, and asthma attack. Mold can also be irritating to people who aren't allergic, causing respiratory, skin, and eye irritation. In some cases, mold exposure can lead to infections.

A one-time leak can cause mold, but it depends on the severity of the leak, the humidity in your home, and other factors. If you catch the leak quickly and the damage is minor, you may not experience any mold. If the water soaks into absorbent materials like drywall and doesn’t dry quickly enough, though, mold will start to grow within 24 to 48 hours. If your home’s interior has a high humidity level, mold could set in within just 12 hours. It’s best to run a blower fan for 24 hours after a one-time leak to avoid mold growth.

Yes, mold can grow in a wet dryer vent. Mold is a type of fungi, and fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions. Dryer vents need to be aired out so heat can escape and moisture can dry. If your dryer vents aren’t properly vented, the trapped heat and moisture will cause mold to grow, and the mold can spread to the dryer and even your clothes. Not only can this leave a musty smell on your freshly laundered clothes, but—more importantly—it also poses a health risk.

Although mildew is less harmful than mold, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Breathing in even small amounts of mildew can cause serious health complications, especially in those with weakened immune systems. If you find any mildew in your home and can’t completely remove it easily (and there are elderly or sick people living there) you should call a professional right away.