What Is Mold And Why Is It Bad? Mold is a form of fungus. It is neither animal nor plant, but it is a living organism that eats and reproduces. Mold requires warmth, water, and food to grow. Mold extracts sugars from natural materials for food, which includes cloth, wood, and plaster. Mold multiplies by bursting. Spores become airborne once the burst occurs, floating around until it attaches to another spot that is perfect for food and reproduction. When inhaled, mold can cause many different illnesses. visit http://www.moldinspectionatlanta.com to set up your appointment today.