British and American English have different standards when it comes to spelling the words. Therefore, mold or mould is a similar word with similar meaning and use but different spellings.
Difference between Mold and Mould
The only difference between the two words is the spelling in American and British ways. Americans spell it as “mold” while there is an addition of the alphabet “u” in British spelling, they spell it as “mould” other than that both have the same meaning and are harmful to the human body.
There is no “mold” in British English and no “mould” in American English. The word points to the various fungus that flourish on organic matter and damp places are spelled the same in both uses, and the spelling depends on the variety of English. Canadian and Australian English supports the British spelling.
What is mold or mould?
So, basically mold/mould is a fungus that grows on any organic material that is wet or has high moisture levels. It is harmful to health and needs to be removed by a professional. Every home has mold and it reproduces on moisture. Mold can be any color but mostly the color is black followed by grey, brown, greenish, orange, red, or even a combination of colors. Mold doesn’t always smell but at times they produce a musty smell. Usually they are microscopic and cannot be seen but large mold infestation can be seen.
Origin of mold/ mould
Mold/Mould grows on organic matter and in places having a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, plastic products and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, carpet, fabric, and clothing.
Mold/Mould is found both indoor, and outdoor. Mold/Mould in outdoor air can stick to your clothes, shoes, etc, in this way they can be carried indoors. Small amounts of mold are harmless but when spores of mold fall on moisture they begin to grow and can be hazardous.
Effects of mold/ mould
No matter how they spell, both have equally lethal and harmful effects on human beings. Exposure to molds can lead to severe respiratory disorders. Hypersensitive people or asthmatic patients may experience more intense reactions. Severe reactions may occur with long-term exposure to large amounts of molds such as farmers. Severe reactions may include shortness of breath and risk of respiratory diseases.
So, Mold or Mould?
It actually doesn’t matter whether you call it mold or mould. You can choose between mold and mould what you want to call it. It depends on the language you speak. But mold and mould, both have the same meaning and it’s totally okay whether you call it mold or mould.