Most people have heard of mold, but few know much about it. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow indoors, and it can cause a wide range of health problems. Some types of mold are even toxic. To stay healthy, look for signs of mold in your home.
If you see or smell mold, it’s important to take action immediately. This article will discuss some of the most common warning signs of mold growth. With this knowledge, you can help keep your family safe from the dangers of mold.
Strange Musty Odors
If you notice musty odors that don’t seem to go away, you may have mold growth in your home. As mold grows, it releases microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air. These mVOCs are made up of pungent chemicals like terpenes, benzenes, carboxylic acids, and aldehydes.
Together, these chemicals produce unpleasant smells associated with mold growth. Check for signs of mold growth if you notice musty, stale, damp, or earthy odors in your space. Of course, these smells could be associated with other household odors like food waste or dirty laundry. Look for mold if you clean your home and the smell persists.
Worsened Allergies or Asthma Indoors
If you or a family member starts experiencing asthma or allergy symptoms that worsen indoors, it could be a sign that you have mold. Mold spores and mVOCs are airborne irritants that can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Particularly in individuals who already suffer from the condition.
If you suspect mold might be to blame, consider scheduling a mold inspection with a certified professional. A professional will identify the source of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment. Often, you can remove the mold to improve indoor air quality and alleviate your symptoms. Other times you will need an ozone generator to eliminate airborne mold spores as well as mold collecting on hidden surfaces.
Dark Stains on Walls or Ceilings
One of the few things you should look for when checking for mold is dark stains on walls or ceilings. Mold typically appears as black or brown stains that are soft, slimy, or fuzzy to the touch. If you see a stain that you think might be mold, you can test it by dabbing a few drops of diluted bleach onto the area. If the stain lightens up after a while, you likely have mold.
Peeling Wallpaper
If wallpaper is not properly applied, the material can trap adhesive between the wall and the new paper. A combination of temperature and humidity, along with trapped moisture, can allow mold to grow.
Insufficient glue or other non-mold issues may be the reason for peeling wallpaper. However, if you had recent water damage from a leak or a similar issue, checking for mold is a good idea.
Dark Shower Grouts
If you suspect mold is growing in the shower, look closely at the grout between your tiles. If it appears dark or stained, it’s a good indication that mold is present. You may also notice that the grout is crumbling. Contact an expert on mold to make sure the mold in your home isn’t toxic.
Itchy Patches
If you find yourself constantly scratching — especially if the irritations seem to stop when you leave your home — you should check for mold growth. If you often leave your wet towel on the floor or dry your laundry on a rack indoors, mold can grow on the fibers. The best way to avoid mold is to always dry wet clothing and avoid allowing damp towels to accumulate in the bathroom.
If you suspect you have mold, call a professional to inspect your home. You may also invest in a SanusAer High Output Ozone Generator. This machine will help to eliminate mold spores from the air, making it safer to breathe. Contact us to learn more about how the SanusAer can help improve your indoor air quality.
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