Molds are fungi that may thrive in wet, warm, and humid conditions and can spread quickly across a home or building. Bathrooms, basements, drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, wallpaper, under sinks, and plumbing pipes are frequent places for mold to grow in the home.
Major health hazards are associated with mold in the house, yet many people are unaware that they even have a mold issue. The potential health risks posed by mold are discussed first, followed by its effects on a building’s structure and its past.
Signs of Mold Exposure: Allergies and Other Illnesses
Allergic reactions are common when mold is present in a home. One way to tell if the mold in the house is to blame for allergy-like symptoms is to see if they improve once you move outside. If so, mold may be the cause. Mold allergy symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Itchy, sore throat
- Symptoms of a stuffy head and a runny nose
- Pain in the sinuses
- Inability to breathe normally, with wheezing
- Dry, itchy eyes
- Dry, irritated skin
The mold in your home might be one of several types, some of which are poisonous and can cause serious, even fatal, sickness. Symptoms of exposure to these toxic molds may include bleeding, organ damage, cognitive dysfunction, cancer, and even death. That is why it is important to avail the services of companies specializing in damage restoration in Lynnwood.
How to Tell If Mold Is Growing in Your Home
You can trust the information you just read about the hazards of mold in the home. However, it may be easy to spot if one knows what to look for. Below are some more blatant signs that mold may be an issue in your home that would require mold remediation.
- The smell of mold- Some molds don’t give out any odor, but that’s not the norm. A musty odor is a sign that mold is present in the home.
- Mold growth- Certain molds may have a white, threadlike appearance. Still, others show up as groups of tiny patches on the back. Mildew can range in color from gray-brown to black to gray-green or even white. For mold that develops under vinyl and wallpaper, colors like orange, pink, and purple are not out of the question.
- Indications of water damage- Mold will quickly spread in any persistent wetness. Water stains, discoloration on walls, floors, ceilings, bubbling cracking, and peeling paint or wallpaper are all signs of potential mold concerns in the home.
- Water problem- Sometimes, it’s difficult to spot mold growth caused by leaks, particularly if the leak is behind a wall or some other concealed surface. It’s critical to fix a leak as soon as possible if you discover it. Mold may thrive in damp environments like windows and metal pipes, where condensation is common.
- Previous flooding- The presence of mold is almost certain in a property that has been flooded.
Damage to your property and health can be substantial if mold is present. Getting a professional assessment through mold or biohazard removal services in Lynnwood right away is crucial if you suspect mold growth in your house.
Conclusion
Mold remediation is often a challenging process. And just because you get rid of the mold now doesn’t imply you won’t have it again. The mold problem won’t disappear unless the underlying cause is fixed: water damage, excessive condensation, a lack of ventilation, etc.
Having a professional mold inspector look around your home is your best bet for detecting and eliminating mold. They’ll look closely around your home to determine how bad the mold problem is. They will then be able to suggest a mold remediation expert who will assist you in eliminating the mold and its source.
