You may have heard horror stories about toxic mold taking over people's homes and all but destroying their lives.

The reality, experts say, is that mold is everywhere, however, the real risks from it aren't fully understood because the available science is incomplete and sometimes controversial.

From Plantation, Florida to Pennsylvania, there are complaints about mold that has taken over homes and made people sick.

Chris Clinton, who says her home is filled with mold, says, "There are studies that prove and show the link between mold and health related illnesses."

Paul Johnson, a Broward environmental expert says, "We've always had mold. We know mold is health issue. I don't believe it's a 911 issue."

While mold concerns may be overblown, they're keeping indoor air quality experts busy.

Johnson says, "We do one to two investigations here in Broward County every day dealing with microbial issues. I'd say 95 percent of our cases are dealing with mold problems."

Experts say most of those problems can be prevented if you follow these steps:

Keep humidity levels in your home at 60 percent or below.

Keep kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms well ventilated.

Have your air conditioning system professionally cleaned once at year.

Address moisture intrusion immediately.

Johnson says, "The best thing is to remove the source that's causing the problem and then remove the problem."

Repairing the mold damage to one Pennsylvania home cost $100,000. The home's owner Chris Clinton sold the house at a loss and is still battling with his insurance company for reimbursement. He's now fighting for federal legislation that would make water damage disclosure a requirement in all real estate transactions.

Clinton says, "There's going to be $10,000 fines for people that are caught fraudulently saying there was no mold in a building and if they're caught, they're going to have to pay."

The proposed legislation won't come soon enough for Laura Lewis who says mold is taking over on furniture and even her clothing.

Her condo association refuses to file an insurance claim on her behalf, and she can't afford to make the repairs.

Lewis says, "It's been a real problem not just for me, but for my family and I'm not seeming to get anywhere with it."

The CDC website has a link to the National Center for Environmental Health, which addresses common questions and concerns about mold at www.cdc.gov.

The EPA also provides detailed information through the web with their indoor air quality home page www.epa.gove/iga/.

Information is also available through the Indoor Air Qualilty Information Clearinghouse at 800-438-4318.

More Tips:

Be sure that clothes dryers are properly vented to the outside

Paint the exterior of your home with a mold/mildew resistant paint every 5 years

Check seals around windows and other areas of potential moisture intrusion and re-seal with caulk or similar silicone product

Vent your home or apartment once a week, leaving windows open with the AC on for about an hour to allow for a fresh air exchange in your home

To reach the Broward County Indoor Air Quality Program, call (954) 321-3751. They can check your home for mold problems.

A local law firm, Ferraro & Associates, is also working with many people facing mold problems. To reach the firm call (305) 375-0111.