Why should homes near bodies of water be inspected for mold?

Homes near bodies of water should be inspected for mold primarily because higher moisture levels create an increased risk of mold growth. Areas close to lakes, rivers, or oceans tend to have higher humidity and moisture in the air, which provides an ideal environment for mold spores to thrive and reproduce. Mold can start developing within 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions, making it crucial to regularly check homes in such environments.

While the other options touch on related issues, they do not address the direct relationship between moisture and mold growth as effectively. For instance, reducing ventilation could theoretically contribute to mold issues, but it is the moisture itself that is the critical factor in mold proliferation. Similarly, wetlands can indeed create challenging environments, but they are not necessarily toxic just because they are wet. Lastly, increased termite activity is relevant to structural health but does not connect directly to mold concerns. Therefore, focus on moisture levels is fundamental when considering mold inspections in homes near water.