Early detection of mold can help reduce the various health risks it poses. Below are the top signs you can apply to detect mold in your home.
Visual Signs of Mold Growth
A preliminary detection measure is by visually inspecting the places that mold is likely to grow for instance walls, sinks, kitchen behind wallpaper, inside cabinets, bath tub, plumbing fixtures among others. Mold growth will usually be in spots and different colors depending on the type. However, mold is mostly visible when it has already become a large colony.
Mold will have a distinctive hairy thread-like appearance with the colors ranging from white, black, gray-brown, greenish-black to even orange or purple. Easily detectable mold should be removed as soon as is possible since even the smallest of mold patches can spread very fast.
Black spots, slimy textures, stains and discolored walls are a good signal of an undergoing water problem that most definitely indicates mold growth. Other indicators of water issues include peeling paint or wallpaper, cracking, bubbling or warping of wallpaper and look out for toilet mold. If either of these can be observed, then it is time for a mold inspection.
Musty Odor
Your sense of smell can also be helpful since mold growth produces a musty dump odor. Such a scent will indicate that your home has mold and thus a thorough inspection should be undertaken.
Mold related Allergic Symptoms, Toxic Symptoms, and Infections
If you experience allergic symptoms like cold/flu-like symptoms, stuffy nose, throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, or redness of the eyes then mold may be
one of the causes. Especially if the symptoms worsen when you are in the house and lessen when you are outdoors.
Some molds release toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins that are very harmful to humans. These mycotoxins lead to toxic symptoms such as damage to the internal organs, memory loss, headaches, bleeding, cancer, mental incapacitation, and immunosuppression. Pulmonary hemosiderosis has been primarily linked to the notorious Stachybotrys commonly referred to as black mold.
Fungal infections may also be a signal for mold growth, and hence a thorough inspection and extermination should be carried out. There are also kits available in the market that can help you detect mold, especially black mold.
Past Flooding and Plumbing Issues
Primarily mold will thrive in warm, damp and humid environments, of which are provided for in case of a flooding or faulty pipes. In case it floods, a lot of water and moisture is left behind in the house long after the event.
This is especially in places that are hard to reach like basements, crawl spaces, behind wallpaper, inside cabinets, under floors, and so on. A good practice is to always carry out a thorough cleanup and ensure all areas fully dry.
Any known water leakages or signs of such are a strong indication that there’s mold growth in your home and should be addressed immediately.
Condensation
A lot of condensation in your home equals to high amount of moisture or humidity and in extension an immediate mold problem. You will observe this condensation on surfaces like metal pipes and glass windows where mold will most likely grow on. Rusting indoor metal pipes are a perfect example of this problem.