Mold is a fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in moist environments and can cause a variety of health problems. If you think you may have a mold problem in your home, it’s important to know the signs of contamination.
In this article, we will discuss six obvious signs of mold contamination. Keep an eye out for these symptoms, and if you suspect that you have a mold issue, call a professional immediately!
What is Mold?
Just thinking about it can make you cringe – green spots sprouting on your sandwich bread, the unpleasant odor of curdled milk.
But when mold takes residence in your home, the warnings aren’t always as clear. Even the most immaculate, squeaky-clean houses might hide mold in surprising nooks and crannies.
Why Does Mold Grow In Homes?
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments. It can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wood, paper, carpet, and food. When mold spores come into contact with water, they grow and reproduce. Mold problems are often the result of water leaks or flooding. However, even high humidity levels can cause mold to grow in your home. Namely, if the humidity in your home is above 60%, mold will likely start to grow. However, it’s important to note that mold can also grow in homes with low humidity levels. This is because mold spores are constantly present in the air; all they need is a surface to attach to and moisture to start growing.
What Are The Health Risks Associated With Mold?
Mold can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and allergic reactions like:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Skin irritation
- Wheezing
In some cases, mold exposure can even lead to severe illnesses like cancer. It is therefore imperative that you call mold remediation services immediately if you suspect that mold has begun to develop in your home.
Now, let’s look at the six signs of mold contamination.
1. Moldy Odor
One of the most obvious signs that you have a mold problem is a musty, moldy odor. If you notice this smell in your home, it’s time to call a professional. The stale odor is caused by mold spores released into the air. These spores can cause a variety of health problems, so it’s important to have the building checked and mold removed. Moldy odors are often most noticeable in basements or crawl spaces. This is because these areas are typically damper than the rest of the house. Given this, it’s well worth looking into things like crawl space encapsulation in Asheville, NC to help prevent mold growth (as well as a whole host of other benefits). Another sign of a mold problem is if you notice the smell but can’t find the source. This could indicate that the mold is growing behind walls or in other hidden areas of your home.
2. Visible Mold
Another noticeable sign of mold contamination is visible mold growth. Mold can often be seen growing on walls, ceilings, or floors. It can also be found in HVAC systems, ductwork, or insulation. If you see mold in your home, it’s important to call a professional immediately. They will be able to test for mold and remove any contaminated materials. If you see mold in your home, don’t try to remove it yourself. This is because you could end up releasing mold spores into the air, which can cause a variety of health problems.
3. Water Stains
Water stains on your walls or ceiling can indicate a mold problem. These stains are typically the result of a water leak or flooding. Also, if your walls or ceiling are discoloured, this could be a sign of mold growth. Namely, mold spreads by releasing spores into the air. If these spores land on a damp surface, they will grow.
You can purchase a moisture meter at your local hardware store to check for water damage. If the meter reads above 16%, this indicates there is too much moisture in the area. This could be a sign of a mold problem.
4. Peeling Paint
If your paint is peeling or bubbling, this could be a sign of mold growth. Mold often grows behind the paint, so mold will likely expand on the wall if the paint is peeling. In addition, the paint may be peeling because the wall is damp. This is often the result of a water leak or flooding.
If you notice any peeling or bubbling paint, it’s important to call a professional immediately. They will be able to test for mold and remove any contaminated materials.
5. Cracks In Walls
If you notice cracks in your walls, this could be a sign of a mold problem. Mold often grows behind the paint, so mold will likely expand on the wall if the paint is peeling. In addition, the paint may be peeling because the wall is damp. This is often the result of a water leak or flooding.
If you notice any cracks in your walls, don’t attempt to repair them yourself. This is because you could end up releasing mold spores into the air, which can cause a variety of health problems.
6. Swelling In Walls
If you notice that your walls are swelling, this could be a sign of a mold problem. The swelling is often the result of a water leak or flooding. When water leaks into the wall, it can cause the drywall to swell. This is often the first sign of a mold problem. Also, drywall absorbs water, so if you notice it’s swollen, this indicates water in the wall.
7. Respiratory Infections
Prolonged exposure to mold spores can lead to respiratory infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions. These infections can manifest as persistent coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, they may require medical treatment.
Also, removing any wet materials from your home as soon as possible is important. This is because mold will grow within 24-48 hours of the water damage.
And there you have it! These are 6 of the most obvious signs of mold contamination. If you notice any of these signs in your home, it’s important to call a professional immediately. They will be able to test for mold and remove any contaminated materials. Don’t try to remove the mold yourself, as this could end up causing more harm than good.
Thank you for reading!
