Friday, March 22, 2024

How To Check For Mold In Your House

Can You Get Sick From Mold In Your House

How To Test For Black Mold In 5 Minutes

Yes. Those will allergies, compromised immune systems, asthma, or other such issues are at a higher risk as even minor, non-toxic molds could cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Mold in your house is rarely life-threatening. However, prolonged exposure is far from ideal for a number of reasons.

When Should You Test For Mold

If youre wondering about black mold exposure, theres probably a good reason. More often than not, homes with mold infestations have a distinct smell, but not always. You may want to test for the mold if any of the following are true:

  • You are purchasing a new home. Some mold infestations are hidden, and homeowners dont find them until its too late. Before purchasing a new home, especially if the homes been unoccupied for a while, you may want to run a mold test.
  • Your home has high levels of humidity. Like most molds, black mold needs two things to spread: moisture and nutrients. If your home has a persistent moisture problem, youre more likely to encounter mold.
  • Your home smells musty. Molds release mVOCs, compounds with an odor that is often described as musty. Although the health effects of mVOCs are largely unknown, they have been linked to dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nasal irritation and nausea.
  • You have chronic health issues. Black mold can cause profound health consequences, including chronic inflammatory and respiratory problems. Even in the absence of mycotoxins, long-term exposure to black mold can cause chronic allergy symptoms and other illnesses.
  • You just finished mold remediation. Mold remediation is expensive, and its not always successful. If you recently had professional mold remediation, its a good idea to perform additional tests to ensure the black mold is gone.

Why Does Mold Form In Homes

Mold forms in homes because, in many cases, a home is the ideal place for mold to grow particularly in basements and other areas which may be dark and moist, and have a similar temperature all-year-round, due to furnaces and water heaters.

Essentially, there are mold spores in the air at all times and once they find a place thats hospitable to them, theyll start reproducing, causing a visible mold problem.

Also Check: Who Do You Call About Mold In Your Apartment

How Can I Tell If I Have A Mold Problem

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

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. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

For more information on mold:

Extent Of Mould Growth

The 7 Best At

It is important to determine the extent of the mould problem in your home to help you decide on the clean-up procedure. An area of mould is considered small if it covers one square metre or less. There should be no more than three patches of mould, with the total area staying within one square metre. Many small patches of mould in one area or throughout your home are a sign of moisture problems that need to be investigated and corrected right away.

If ignored, small mould areas may become larger over time, so it is important to clean them up before the problem gets bigger. A small amount of mould may be cleaned up using proper procedures and protective equipment.

The area of mould is considered medium if there are more than three patches of mould , but the total area is less than three square metres. In this case, assessment by a qualified professional is recommended but in most cases a medium amount of mould may be cleaned up using proper procedures and protective equipment .

An area of mould is considered large if a single patch of mould is larger than three square metres. Health Canada does not recommend that an unqualified person clean up large areas of mould. You may need a professional assessment to determine why the mould is there in the first place and how to clean it up.

Also Check: How To Clean Up Mold From Water Damage

Water In The Foundation

Look out for a build-up of water around your homes base. This can lead to foundational problems for your home if there is a lot of water. At your homes foundation, gathering rainwater can be prevented by sloping your yard outwards from your foundation. In the same line of thought, damp basements are another culprit. Usually, there is no good ventilation in basements. This is an indication that basements could contain higher humidity or moisture amounts compared to other rooms in the home. Also, basements are often colder which means more condensation occurs which leads to humidity and basement.

How To Test For Mold And What To Do When Its Detected

Okay, now you have either smelled or seen mold in a room, had an allergic reaction, and/or found a spot holding moisture in the walls. Now what? Well, now it is time to test for mold spores themselves. The first thing you will want to do is either order or go to your local home improvement store and purchase a mold test kit. The ImmunoLytics DIY Mold Test Kit for Home is our favorite.

Read Also: How To Remove Mold From Attic Rafters

Condensation On Windows Window Frames And Sills

  • Promptly repair any leaks.
  • Lower the indoor moisture levels.
  • Use exhaust bathroom fans and a kitchen range hood.
  • Keep window coverings open to move the warm air over the windows .
  • Keep baseboards or heating vents clear of furniture to make sure the heat flows.
  • Dry your window frames and sills daily to keep water from dripping and causing mould to grow.
  • Leave interior doors open for good air and heat flow.
  • Unplug and remove humidifiers.

Testing For Mold In Your Home

How to search for hidden mold in your home

If you hire a professional mold inspector to come to your home, theyll take samples from three areasthe air, the surface, and surrounding dust. They send these samples to a third-party laboratory to find out the concentration and kinds of mold in those particular areas.

However, this procedure takes time and isnt cheap. Fortunately, testing for mold in your home is a relatively easy task that can give you faster results and save you money. If youve done everything you can to prevent mold but still have reason to think the air you breathe is compromised with mold spores, check strategic locations for visible signs of mold.

Common areas of mold growth include:

  • Areas around plumbing lines, even behind the drywall
  • Coils of HVAC air handlers or ductwork
  • Between the furniture and exterior walls, particularly in basements or concrete block houses

Also Check: Can Mold In Your House Cause Headaches

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Having Mold In Your House

Whether youre selling a home, preparing to buy one for the first time, or just performing regular maintenance, the issue of mold may worry you particularly if your home is in a damp environment.

In most cases, a typical home inspection wont include mold inspections and testing. You will need to hire a professional mold inspector to check your home for issues like black mold.

So, to help you understand whether or not you may need a home inspection for mold, weve put together this comprehensive guide that will help you understand the signs and symptoms of mold, know what next steps to take if you think you have mold issues, and provide you with other helpful information and tips that will help you deal with a potential mold problem.

How To Test For Mold In Your House: A Step

Are you worried that you have mold in your home?

Well, we cant sugar-coat it you probably should be worried! Somewhere between a third and a half of all buildings in the US have conditions that are conducive to mold development.

Thats bad news.

After all, mold is known to cause a whole host of health issues. Everything from allergies and asthma to sore throats and nasty coughs can occur if youre exposed to it. Clearly, anybody who suspects they have mold would do well to get rid of it ASAP!

Knowing how to test for mold in your house is the first step to doing exactly that.

Its the only way to confirm or disprove your suspicions, enabling you to proceed in an appropriate fashion. Want some advice on how to do it?

Keep reading for a complete guide on testing for mold in your home!

Read Also:

Read Also: How To Get Mold Out Of Wood Furniture

Types Of Household Mold

There are more than 100,000 types of mold in the world. Although each type of mold has its own species name, most are best known by the categoriessuch as black mold or pink mold. Molds also fall into categories based on how they affect humans.

  • Allergenic mold: Non-toxic, but can irritate people with asthma or mold allergies
  • Pathogenic mold: May affect people with weakened immune systems
  • Toxigenic mold: Causes toxic reactions in people and animals

How To Detect Mold In Your Home

Mold Testing: How to Test for Mold in the House

If you strongly suspect a mold infestation in your home or office, youll need to do a thorough visual inspection. Once youve discovered the infestation, youll need to take a sample for laboratory testing. Given its microscopic nature, mold is impossible to properly diagnose without a laboratory mold test. If you have any health symptoms, in addition to building damage, it is helpful to know the specific mold so your doctor can help you treat your symptoms and detox the mold from your body.

Recommended Reading: How To Kill Mold In Bathtub

Moisture: Investigating And Solving Problems

Mould will grow indoors if moisture is present. Moisture problems in homes may result from:

  • daily activities such as showering or bathing, washing clothes or cooking, if exhaust fans are not working properly or are not used
  • infiltration of water from the outside when there are cracks or leaks in the foundation, floor, walls or roof
  • plumbing leaks
  • moisture condensation on cold surfaces
  • flooding due to weather conditions
  • inadequate ventilation.

Moisture indoors accumulates when it cannot be vented outside and becomes a problem when building materials become damp or wet.

Moisture problems are preventable.

Unless the cause of the moisture problem has been identified and solved, mould will reappear. Once the moisture problem and its causes have been identified, they must be fixed. To prevent future problems, measures should be put in place to control sources of moisture in your home, for example:

  • Ensure rain, irrigation water and snowmelt drain away from the house by sloping the grade away from the building.
  • Keep eavestroughs and downspouts clean of debris and ensure that the outflow runs away from the house and not into neighbouring foundations.
  • Repair plumbing leaks promptly.
  • Use exhaust fans, ventilation and air conditioning systems to vent moisture outdoors.
  • Use moisture tolerant materials in areas likely to get wet .

Run a dehumidifier in damp areas such as basements or if you observe that moisture is condensing on cold surfaces such as window panes.

Myths About Black Mold

Its important to address myths some people may have about black mold. One common rumor is that black mold releases toxic compounds called mycotoxins that cause health issues, like memory loss, headaches, and infant pulmonary hemorrhage.

But according to a review from 2017, theres no evidence that exposure to black mold causes particular health conditions.

Furthermore, while a variety of molds produce mycotoxins, these compounds are primarily dangerous for humans only when eaten in significant quantities.

A 2019 review of research into this topic states theres currently no evidence that mycotoxins in the air cause disease.

Read Also: How To Clean Green Mold Off White Vinyl Fence

Using A Mold Exposure Test

A mold exposure test is often the best way for you to check for mold on your own. You can pick one up at any home improvement or home supply store.

Simply follow the instructions on the box. Usually, youll just brush the surface where you think mold may be present, and send the test strip or brush in for a laboratory analysis. If mold is present, youll be notified.

Worth The Cost Of Testing

DIY mold detector

Mold can be a tricky problem to deal with. The first step in tackling your potential mold problem is to have a certified inspector visit your home to assess the mold damage or to bring a sample of your mold growth to an accredited lab for testing. At JSE, we specialize in laboratory and in-home testing to provide you with an accurate analysis of your mold growth.

Our mold lab offers quick turn-around times and has hygienists on staff to answer your questions. In-house lab services include mold spore analysis by direct exam for both bulk and air samples. Mold can be a pesky problem in any household. If you suspect you have mold growth in your home, contact JSE online or at to get your sample tested.

You May Like: How To Get Mold Off Concrete

How To Find Hidden Black Mold In Your Home

by Lisa | Sep 11, 2019 | Mold |

Do you suspect you have mold hidden in your home? Whether you can visibly see mold growing or can smell an unpleasant earthy odor, mold is a common problem in houses with water damage or leaks. If you see signs of mold in your home, a black mold test can be performed on a sample to determine if it is indeed mold, what toxic variety it is, and what should be done about it.

Warning Signs You Have A Mold Problem

Molds are types of fungi that may grow indoors or outdoors, usually in damp, warm, and humid environments. The most common types of household molds might be found around bathrooms, basements, drywall, ceiling tiles, carpet, wallpaper, under sinks, and around plumbing pipes.

Mold in the home can pose serious health risks, but unfortunately many dont realize they have a mold problem because they dont know what to look for. Here you will read a little about mold warning signs, first as it relates to your health, and secondly as it relates to the structure and history of your home.

Mold Warning Signs: Allergies and Other Health Issues

When someone has mold in their home, they usually show allergy-related symptoms. If youre not sure whether your allergy-like symptoms are caused by mold in your home, then consider this question: do your symptoms get better once you go outdoors or leave your home? If so, then there is good chance that mold is the culprit.

Symptoms of mold allergies include:

  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Irritated, itchy skin

Some forms of household mold are toxic, causing serious, life-threatening illness. These highly-dangerous molds might cause symptoms such as bleeding, internal organ damage, mental impairment, cancer, and even death.

Mold Warning Signs in Your Home

Mold in the home is dangerous, as you have just read. But luckily, its usually easy to spot when you know what to look for. Below are some key warning signs that you might have mold in your home.

Also Check: What Is The Best Black Mold Killer

How To Test For Mold In 6 Steps

Mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled, but they can also remain hidden behind walls or under carpets. Testing isnt necessary if you can see or smell mold that is confirmation enough to call a professional and begin the remediation process. Testing for mold in the house may be necessary if requested by a health professional or needed for legal purposes, such as a lawsuit with a landlord. Another reason to consider testing is if you arent able to see or smell mold in your home but are having unexplained symptoms associated with mold. Always follow the instructions provided with a test kit , but this is generally what to expect:

Tips On How To Remove Mold From Home

Mold Testing: How to Test for Mold in the House

The first step is to locate and confirm the presence of mold. In addition to looking for the obvious discoloration spots, you can have your home tested for mold. According to homeadvisor.com, the average cost to test for mold is $834. However there are home mold-testing kits available for $10 to $50.

It is quite important that you remove the mold the moment you discover it, because the spores can affect the quality of air in your home. It is always advisable to hire a professional to remove the mold, but if you do it yourself, use an OSHA approved respirator, gloves, disposable coveralls, non-vented goggles. Listed below are a few tips on how you can remove mold from your house:

Remove moldy materials

If not properly disposed of, moldy materials may stir up spores, which can spread into your house. Because of their microscopic size, a square foot of wall can have over 3,000 million mold spores. You have to use the appropriate equipment and follow the safety procedures so as to protect yourself from the spores.

Excessive levels of contamination may require that you discard absorbent materials such as carpets, wall paper etc. To avoid airspore becoming airborne, professionals seal off the affected area with tape, and use plastic sheets to seal doorways and vents. They also use air movers, dehumidifiers and HEPA air scrubbers to eliminate moisture and dry out the air and surfaces.

Heating, Insulation and Ventilation

Find and fix interior plumbing leaks

Check the ductwork

Recommended Reading: Will Black Mold Hurt You

Popular Articles
Related news