Symptoms of Mold Exposure: In House and More

Table Of Content

• Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
• What Should You Do if You Suspect Mold in Your Basement, Walls, or Other Parts of Your House?
• Do Home Inspectors Check for Lead Paint During Inspections
• What Health Effects Can Mold Cause?
• A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
• Who is most at risk for health problems associated with exposure to mold?
• Gather a Mold Sample

Depending on the type of mold test, some results may be available immediately. While a homeowner may hear the terms “mold” and “mildew” used interchangeably, there are some key differences between these two organisms. In addition to causing respiratory problems, like mildew, mold can also have a negative impact on the nervous system. They’ll want to leave the petri dish untouched for about 48 hours.

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An air pump can be an efficient way to test for the presence of airborne mold spores. However, it usually requires special equipment and professional services. My Mold Detective offers an at-home mold testing kit specifically designed for air testing that includes a small, user-friendly air pump and collection cassettes.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Mold in Your Basement, Walls, or Other Parts of Your House?

They can also identify the mold type and determine the problem’s extent. Mold thrives in moist environments, so signs of moisture in your home can indicate the presence of mold. Look for water stains on walls and ceilings, peeling paint or wallpaper, and condensation on windows. Leaks from pipes, roofs, or windows can also create moist environments ideal for mold growth.

Do Home Inspectors Check for Lead Paint During Inspections

Given our past mold experience, my husband drained the water from our house during both the 2021 and 2022 freeze. We’ll do whatever it takes to avoid repeating that ordeal, and I hope you never have to experience it. With Atlantic hurricane season beginning in June, consumers need to know how to address water intrusion and mold in their homes. Some lucky residents won’t have mold, but those who smell it, see it, or develop illnesses need to know what steps to consider, and that starts with a mold assessment. Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper.

What Health Effects Can Mold Cause?

Following the instructions with the specific device or kit you choose for accurate results is recommended. Marshall says homeowners may want to prepare by researching water mitigation, mold testing, and remediation firms before an emergency strikes. Consumers should take time to understand the firm’s work steps in advance to gauge whether they will be comfortable with the approach.

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For a more thorough examination, hire a professional mold inspector who can use specialized tools like infrared cameras or borescopes to detect hidden mold. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay.

Who is most at risk for health problems associated with exposure to mold?

Hoffman recommends a minimum of six samples for each HVAC area, so a two-story house would require a minimum of 12 air and surface tests. According to Berg and Marshall, the industry standard is to compare indoor air samples to those collected outside. If the sampling reveals an elevated mold species inside the home, then it is safe to assume that one or more sources of mold is inside the home. You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Mold can appear in a multitude of colors, including black, green, white, and even orange.

The release of antibodies triggers allergy symptoms that can include coughing, wheezing, and a skin rash. Diagnosing a mold rash involves determining whether you have a mold allergy. Since symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to many other conditions, diagnosing a mold allergy requires a visit to a healthcare provider such as an allergist or immunologist. To prevent the redistribution of mold spores, it’s crucial to dispose of the cleaning materials properly.

Gather a Mold Sample

Fortunately, you don’t need to know the type of mold to get rid of it. You’re likely to find mold growing in the darkest, dampest spaces. More than a cosmetic problem, mold can damage your home and contribute to health issues.

If it’s a big job, or if you have respiratory problems, a professional contractor can safely remove mold and make the necessary repairs. Most people may only experience an allergic reaction or allergy-like symptoms following mold exposure. More rarely, mold can cause more serious health issues in some people with certain risk factors. All types of mold can potentially cause health issues and need to be removed. Once you’ve gathered the sample, follow the instructions to finish the testing. You may need to apply a test strip or wait a certain amount of time for the results.

Look for water stains, peeling paint or wallpaper, or warped wood. These are all signs that moisture has entered your home and could promote mold growth. The risks of mold exposure include a variety of health complications, which can vary by individual.