Mar

16 Signs of Mold

Mold on the ceiling, sometimes it isn't this obvious There are 16 signs that you need mold testing in your home. Mold that produces and releases dangerous toxins into the air can affect a family’s health. Many times we see only one family member affected. There are many things to look for if someone in your home is being affected by these toxins.

Why is Mold Testing Necessary?
Testing for mold is important because mold spores can cause or aggravate many illnesses, including asthma and allergies. Some molds can cause very serious lung infections.

When should Testing Take Place?
Mold testing should be done if anyone in the household is feeling effects associated with fungal contamination. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, difficulty paying attention, and lack of concentration.

What should I Look for?

The following are signs that mold could be growing in your home and needs to be eradicated:

High humidity – areas that are prone to high levels of humidity retain moisture for longer amounts of time, fostering mold growth.
Pipe or water leaks – surfaces that are consistently wet provide a home for mold, and leaks can be difficult to detect
Flooding – large scale water damage to a home is very conducive to mold growth
Musty, moldy odors – odors are a good indication that mold is present
Increased respiratory problems or allergies – a Mayo Clinic study, completed in 1999, found that most chronic sinus problems were caused by mold in the home
Symptoms of toxic poisoning – signs that family members are being affected include dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating and maintaining an attention span
Leaky Roof – the attic will show signs of water damage
Damp basement or crawlspace – moisture in dark environments encourages mold growth
Rusting or condensation – can be signs of a leak
Discoloration or water stains on walls – water stains will indicate locations of leaks, while discolored spots may indicate locations of mold
Peeling paint – the mold could have had a chance to grow before the wall was painted, causing the current peeling
Warped wood – this is a sign that moisture is present in sufficient levels to allow mold to grow
Growth of mold in bathroom tile areas – this is a very good indication that mold is growing in other areas of the house
Visible mold growth – indicates a strong presence of mold elsewhere in the house
Poor ventilation – if moisture from the home, including appliances, isn’t vented, it can facilitate mold growth
Wet materials inside the house – any areas of carpet or flooring that are wet frequently can also house mold.

While being unsightly and sometimes difficult to clean, mold should be removed from the home. It causes damage to the home itself, but the most intense effects are upon humans. Breathing mold spores can be very dangerous, especially for the very young or those who are advanced in years or adults with compromised immune systems. If you locate any of these signs in your home, it’s time to conduct testing for mold to see how extensive the problem has grown.

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