Many people don’t realize mold grows in hidden places, and when exposed to it, they know something is wrong. If mold is present in your home, would you recognize it? Would you know its source and whether it’s effecting the health of you or your family? When you suspect a mold problem in your home, look for the following warning signs.
A common warning sign of mold is a musty odor. The smell gets stronger over time throughout the home. The growth of mold includes micro compounds that get into the air like strong chemicals. As the compounds mix together, they create stale, damp, or earthy odors. It is common for homes to have odors from things such as food or laundry, but when a smell is present without an apparent reason, it could signal mold growing somewhere you can’t see.
Allergy Symptoms and Health Issues such as Asthma
Mold can trigger health symptoms that affect people of all ages. It can aggravate those with preexisting respiratory issues like Asthma. Mold allergy symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, skin irritation, breathing difficulties, wheezing, itchy sore throat, runny nose, and sinus headaches. People with Asthma may experience chest tightness. Other symptoms can include nasal congestion, watery and red eyes.
If you experience chronic fatigue and headaches, it could be sick building syndrome, a health condition recognized by the CDC in which symptoms come when in the building but go away when you exit. Mold could be the cause of these symptoms if they worsen while you’re indoors. Other problems, such as pest problems with bugs or rodents, could trigger similar symptoms.
Problems with Water and Moisture
If you notice your home feeling more humid than usual or have water problems such as a leak, it could contribute to mold. Mold spores develop when moisture is present. It’s common when flooding or water leaks occur, but the problem wasn’t remedied in time to prevent mold. Leaks in faucets and pipes, plumbing problems, rooms poorly ventilated, weather-related moisture, and condensation from HVAC systems can all contribute to mold growth.
Ceiling and Wall Stains
When mold grows on wall and ceiling surfaces, it looks like dark spots and patches. The color can vary depending on the type of mold spore growing. Mold growth colors include white, green, yellow, and grey, with the most common colors of brown and black. The texture can be slimy, fuzzy, or soft when touched. They appear on water-damaged surfaces but also appear where moisture is common. Therefore, mold can also grow in areas you can’t see, such as underneath, within, or behind walls, but it is something to consider if moisture collects nearby.
Wallpaper Bubbling or Peeling
Wallpaper that bubbles or peels may have moisture concerns, including mold growth. Temperature changes in poorly ventilated areas can encourage humid conditions, with moisture loosening the wallpaper. Mold can grow behind it as a result. If mold is not the problem, faulty gluing or not enough glue could be the culprit for loose wallpaper. However, if water damage is present along with an unpleasant odor or physical symptoms of exposure, check the other side of the wallpaper for mold.
Questionable Behavior in Your Pet
Pets can act unusual when exposed to mold. They can show similar symptoms humans experience. Dogs like to sniff different areas, and it’s possible they could ingest mold spores accidentally. Some pets are more sensitive to indoor mold than others. Symptoms pets may display include vomiting, labored breathing, lack of appetite, lethargy, coughing, and wheezing. If a pet has skin itching and irritation, skin and hair loss, or excessive scratching, these are signs of an allergic reaction to mold.
What to Do if You Suspect Mold
Contact local professional services for mold assessment and remediation. A licensed mold expert can inspect your home and provide a solution for mold removal. Even if you’re unsure if you have mold, you can discuss your concerns with an experienced professional to learn more information.
November 1, 2022
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