Table Of Content
Plumbing and water leaks can cause mold growth if not fixed promptly. Proper ventilation and insulation can help prevent mold growth in your attic. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid environments. It reproduces by releasing tiny spores that can travel through the air.
Checking for Visible Mold
To be on the safe side, homeowners will want to have mold growth identified, treated, and removed quickly. Below are some of the more common types of mold that can be found in a home. A home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and air quality of the living space. However, being a conduit for airflow, it can unwittingly become a transporter for mold spores. If mold growth is within the ductwork or in any part of the HVAC system, these spores can be dispersed throughout the home every time the system is on.
Allergies
However, experts generally agree that black mold is not linked to an increased risk of specific health issues. It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.
Signs You Have Mold in Your Home and What to Do
Mold: What every homeowner fears but probably shouldn't - The Washington Post
Mold: What every homeowner fears but probably shouldn't.
Posted: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Over time, this can become more pronounced, leading to evident peeling or lifting as moisture becomes trapped between the wall and its exterior surface. While mold is not the only reason for wallpaper separating from the wall, if the area also feels damp then mold is the likely culprit. It may be worth peeling back the wallpaper or scraping away paint in one of the affected areas to check for visible mold growth on the surface of the wall.
Individuals with chronic respiratory disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may experience difficulty breathing. Individuals with immune suppression are at increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to checking for mold in the home’s HVAC system, it might be wise to consider purchasing an air purifier to help address mold issues. Air purifiers equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from circulating and settling onto surfaces. Although purchasing an air purifier for mold can reduce airborne mold spores in a house, it won’t address mold growing on surfaces.
The excess moisture provides mold spores with the water they need to germinate and flourish. When a house feels humid or displays visible condensation on windows, walls, or other surfaces, it’s a signal that conditions are ripe for mold infestation. Moreover, health effects may vary depending on the type of mold that is present. Toxigenic varieties like black mold produce mycotoxins, which can have more serious health implications when inhaled over a prolonged period. This exposure can lead to neurological problems, fatigue, headaches, and, in extreme cases, immune system suppression or organ damage.
STEP 2: Set up the test kit.
You may also see stains or discoloration on your walls, ceilings, or floors. These stains may be black, green, or brown and can indicate the presence of mold. A mold rash occurs when your immune system regards mold as an allergen.
Now, that you know how to test for mold exposure in your house, it is likely that you are curious about what to do next. Whenever you find visible mold growth, it’s essential to take immediate action to remove it. The first step is to identify the type of surface the mold is growing on, as this will determine the best cleaning method.
When you spot it, it’s important to take the necessary steps to remove it as quickly as possible. There are certain types that are easier to get rid of than others. In fact, some mold can be toxic so it’s not even a good idea to attempt removing it but should be left strictly to experts. Most people regularly breathe in mold spores without experiencing any health complications. However, people with certain health conditions may be at risk of a lung infection or other infections from inhaling certain types of mold.
Not to mention, all test results, no matter how they are received, can be inaccurate. Homes aren't totally sterile environments, and at-home tests leave a lot of room for error. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that mold testing is unnecessary if mold is visible. In that case, you should remediate the mold as quickly as possible—either by yourself or with professional help. However, if you only suspect there is mold, then there are a few affordable, DIY mold testing kits available.
But because Stachybotrys can off-gas dangerous mycotoxins, it’s the mold variety most feared. In accordance with your mold testing kit’s instructions, collect the airborne samples in the room. While the test is in progress, seal off the door and window with painter’s tape.
After all, they have had several million years to evolve into an organism that survives where most other things die and are actually necessary to decomposition. That being said, we can mitigate them propagating inside our homes. The main thing to watch for is signs of wet spots; if you have a leak that saturates the drywall, be sure to remove all the wet or damp drywall around that area. Drywall patches generally come in 2′ x 2′ squares, so do not be shy about using a larger piece than you think is necessary. But, if you do find mold in the dish, our experts recommend sending the sample to a lab for further testing to determine the type. This might take several days to receive the results, but it’s worth it to know exactly what you’re dealing with.
While not all molds are harmful, exposure to certain types of mold can have adverse health effects. If you suspect that your home may have mold, it is important to understand the potential health implications of exposure. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys Chartarum, is a type of mold that can grow in damp and humid conditions.
No comments:
Post a Comment