What type of growth can cause damage to building materials and stored items?

Mold growth is the most relevant choice when considering damage to building materials and stored items. Molds are fungi that thrive in damp, humid environments and can quickly colonize various surfaces. Once mold establishes itself, it can break down building materials, such as wood, drywall, and insulation, through a process called biodegradation. This deterioration can compromise structural integrity and lead to costly repairs.

Moreover, mold can also affect stored items, especially organic materials such as fabric, paper, and food products. They can produce mycotoxins, which can be harmful to human health and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Therefore, the presence of mold growth signifies not only physical damage to properties but also potential health risks, making it a critical concern in mold remediation practices.

While yeast and bacterial growth can also occur in buildings, they typically do not pose the same level of risk to structural materials as mold does. Viral growth is generally associated with living hosts and does not affect building materials or stored items. This context reinforces why mold growth is particularly problematic in terms of property damage and health hazards.