Tuesday, March 19, 2024

How To Check Mold Levels In House

How Can I Know If Theres Mold In My Carpet

Home Inspection Mold Testing for Mold in Your Home

The plush fibers of a carpet can be a thriving spot for mold spores. Its easy for the spores to stick to the surface, and theres often a significant amount of dirt, dust, and bacteria. Once moisture is introduced, mold will likely begin to grow.

Mold can grow inside the carpet or underneath. The padding or backing of carpets is likely to have mold if exposed to moisture.

A tell-tale sign of mold in a carpet is a musty or even sour odor. However, the best way to know whether or not theres mold growing in your carpet is to pull it up and inspect it.

If you do find mold, consider the severity of it and whether the carpet is worth trying to save or not. You can easily remove the area affected by mold and replace it with new carpeting. Adding additional waterproof padding can help keep mold and mildew at bay.

Where To Check For Mold In Your Bathroom

You may love a long, hot shower but, unfortunately, so does mold. The warm, wet environment of a bathroom is practically an invitation for mold growth. Bathrooms that lack proper ventilation are especially prone to attracting mold. While it may be clear to check for mold on shower tiles, there are plenty of less obvious places for mold to grow in the bathroom.

You Smell Something Musty

Mold has a distinct smell to it. If mold is growing inside your home or is attached to the HVAC vents or ductwork, youll most likely get a good whiff of it every now and then. The smell is a musty smell and can take over your entire home.

At times, you might not smell the musty odor because youre used to it. Try to smell around right after you enter your home after being gone all day. If the smell gets worse over time, then you know that the mold is getting worse or growing rapidly.

Don’t Miss: What Kills Mold On Sheetrock

Indoor Air Sampling Kit

Indoor air sampling kits are the next step up from DIY mold testing. Air sampling kits generally include an air pump and containers for collected air. After collecting the samples, users mail them to a laboratory for analysis. Laboratory analyses offer a distinct advantage over DIY mold tests in that they provide mold concentration in addition to type.

Molds Effects On Your Health

Healthful Home 5

Mold can cause many health effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . It can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. People who are immune-compromised and with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. Interestingly, out of thousands of mold species, only a few dozen will trigger any health problems at all, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

People without allergies and asthma arent immune to the effects. According to the CDC, people without pre-existing lung conditions can also experience symptoms like nasal congestion and a sore throat if they live in a house with damp floors or moisture accumulation.

The CDC also notes a potential link of early mold exposure to the development of asthma in some children.

Don’t Miss: How To Remove Mold From Rubber Seal On Washing Machine

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.

In On And Under The Kitchen Sink

A lot happens in your kitchen sink. Dirty dishes pile up , food goes through the garbage disposal, wet sponges sit in the sink or in caddies and collect bacteria, and faucets run. All of these things contribute to the potential for mold growth, so check in these areas often if you want to prevent mold. Oh, and dont forget to check underneath the sink leaky pipes are a big problem for mold.

Don’t Miss: Does Led Light Kill Mold

Air Conditioning And Heating Vents

You probably prefer your bedroom to be at the optimal temperature for you to get a good nights rest. While using the AC and heating unit are fine , its possible for mold to grow in the vents.

To prevent mold from contaminating your bedroom, you should:

  • Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air
  • Dry up any condensation you find on the walls and windows
  • Invest in a mold-resistant mattress or, at the very least, a waterproof mattress cover

Mold Poisoning Symptoms In Humans

DIY mold detector

Mold poisoning can cause a number of different symptoms, depending on the age of the affected individual, the strength of their immune system, and whether or not they have a pre-existing mold allergy. Here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms of mold poisoning in humans.

  • A stuffy or runny nose
  • Sinus issues or infections
  • Worsening or development of asthma
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Skin itchiness, redness, or discomfort
  • Fever and shortness of breath

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold From Washer Seal

Theres Been Recent Water Damages

Mold thrives in dark and wet areas. If youre going on a hunt to find mold in your home, you should start with any sections of the home that remain dark and moist. These locations might be the laundry room, the bathroom, under your sinks, and more.

Because mold grows so well in areas that are wet, you need to be on the lookout for it if youve had recent water damages to your home. A pipe thats burst or a leak that caused water damage are two examples of the perfect environment for mold.

Check around the areas where recent water damages occurred. If mold were going to grow, it would grow here. If you experience water damage in your home in the future, then be sure to dry the area out completely as quickly as possible.

Perform A Visual Inspection

If you suspect you have mold, the first step is to perform a thorough visual inspection of your home. You will recognize mold as spots that can appear in many different colors. Mold thrives on moisture, so pay particular attention to roofs, windows, pipes, basements, laundry areas, bathrooms, previously flooded spaces, and so on. Mold commonly appears on fibrous surfaces like drywall, upholstery, wallpaper, fabrics, and cardboard. If you see any signs of mold, call a professional.

Read Also: How Do I Kill Black Mold On Wood

What Is Black Mold

When people say black mold, they refer to Stachybotrys, a greenish-black mold that grows on damp material with a high cellulose content. In our homes, that includes wood, fiber or gypsum board, paper, fabric, or green insulation. Just because mold is black doesnt mean its the dreaded Stachybotrys though, which by the way also manifests itself in blue and grey. But because Stachybotrys can off-gas dangerous mycotoxins, its the mold variety most feared.

Air Purifiers For Black Mold

Mold Prevention Tips: Don

Whether youre in the mold remediation process, are currently testing for black mold or just suspect its presence, you need to protect yourself. Scientific studies have shown that running a high-quality air purifier can drastically reduce mold in the air. However, not all air purifiers are up to the task. When youre dealing with potentially dangerous airborne contaminants like black mold, its important to buy the best.

At Air Oasis, were proud to produce some of the most powerful air purifiers on the market. Whether you need to remove odors, VOCs, viruses and bacteria, smoke, allergens or mold, weve got you covered. Our air purifiers harness multiple purification technologies to provide you with comprehensive coverage. Questions about air purifiers and mold? Wed love to hear from you! Visit us online or give us a call at .

Read Also: How To Remove Bathroom Mold On Ceiling

How Can Mold Be Prevented

Rather than taking action after the mold is already a problem, you can do several things to prevent mold from ever growing in the first place. Keep things dry. If large quantities of liquid are spilled, dry off the damp surfaces within 24 hours using whatever means necessary. A little elbow grease now could save you a lot of effort, time and money later.

Remodel your house using materials that are mold-resistant. They may cost more initially but they will save you a headache later. You can find paints that prevent mold from growing. This will prevent mold from growing on bathroom walls that are often humid and covered in condensation.

Invest in a dehumidifier. Regardless of the climate you live in, your home will inevitably have excess moisture in it at some time. You can find basement dehumidifiers for large and damp areas, portable dehumidifiers for smaller spaces and bedrooms, energy-efficient dehumidifiers to help you save and quiet dehumidifiers for use in bedrooms. You can find a dehumidifier for almost any purpose you just need to find the right dehumidifier for your home.

You could also call a mold specialist in to assess your home for issues. Poorly planned piping, holes in your brickwork, soil build-up against walls these can all cause damp and mold issues, and a professional survey will note them and advise on how to stop issues before they arise.

I Used A Mold Test Kit From Lowes And I Did Everything That I Was Asked To Do To Test The Area I Tested My Vent And About 5 Days Later I Got A Small Pop Up Of Some Kind Of Mold Now Its Getting Bigger Every Single Day And There Is Actually Another Type Of Mold That Is Growing Inside The Kit As Well Which I Believe Is White Mold My Landlord Said That Its Not His Responsibility For Doing That Testing And Im Trying To Get Results Immediately Because I Believe My Health Problems Have Been Because Of Mold

You might have a mold issue, but these types of test kits provide very limited reliability. They are not used by professionals for this very reason. Ive got an in-depth explanation on this page . I highly recommend a non-viable air pump based sample, such as the Air-o-Cell cassette. This type of sampling provides quantifiable and comparable data.

You May Like: What To Use To Get Rid Of Mold In Shower

How Can I Test For Toxic Mold

If you suspect or fear toxic mold is growing in your home, you wont need any special tests. A test such as the viable test kit we learned about above will detect all kinds of molds present. By sending your petri dish to a lab, you can get a better idea of which types of molds are growing and then take the correct actions.

The next step should always be to consult a professional for further tests and investigations. Test kits are more of a guidance than something to rely on fully.

Its also important to understand that simply because its called toxic mold, it doesnt mean its toxic to you. As we mentioned above, molds that produce mycotoxins can affect some individuals, while others wont be affected.

However, if you suspect you have been exposed to toxic molds, your doctor can run a few tests. A blood test can help to determine if youve been poisoned by checking biotoxins in your blood .

A Guide To Interpreting Mold Test Results

How To Test For Black Mold In 5 Minutes

Indoor mold is incredibly common. In fact, mold can be found in about 70% of homes in the United States. Although many molds are harmless, some types can pose serious health risks especially in large quantities.

Thats why its important to get your home professionally tested for mold if you suspect you have an issue. Professional mold testing will identify the type of mold in your home, the level of infestation, and the next steps to take.

Inspectors will usually take samples from different areas inside and outside your home and send them to a laboratory for testing. Then, they will provide you with a report that includes the test results.

These mold test results can be confusing to interpret, but understanding them is crucial for mold remediation. This guide will help you understand when to test your home for mold and how to interpret your mold test results.

Also Check: How Much Does It Cost To Hang Crown Molding

How Common Is Mold In Buildings

Molds are very common in buildings and homes. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. We do not have precise information about how often different molds are found in buildings and homes.

How Mold Affects Your Health

Mold produces irritants and allergens that can cause various reactions when inhaled or touched. Reactions to mold often display as allergic symptoms such as sneezing, red eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes.

Sensitive individuals may experience immediate reactions when in contact with mold. Others, on the other hand, might have delayed symptoms .

Individuals with asthma may have a tough time when in a room with mold. Mold can trigger asthma attacks while irritating the throat, lungs, nose, and eyes.

People who dont suffer from allergies or asthma may also experience irritation in the eyes, nose, lungs, and throat.

One mold species, in particular, can be more hazardous than others Stachybotrys chartarum. This species is generally called black mold or toxic mold. Despite the name, this mold is more greenish and is gooier in texture compared to other species.

Black mold can grow on surfaces high in cellulose and low in nitrogen. These include fiberboards, paper, dust, and lint. This mold requires constant moisture in order to grow, so its commonly found near water damage, leaks, and after floods.

While mold, in general, isnt toxic or poisonous, some species, such as black mold, can produce toxic byproducts. One of these is called mycotoxins. However, little research is available on how it affects peoples health .

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold In Basement

I Had A Company Come In To Look At What I Think Is Black Mold The Rep Had Some Sort Of Hand Held Gadget That Sticks In The Wall He Said Any Reading Over 10 Is A Concern He Had Readings As High As 25 I Do Have Water Coming Into My Basement I Do Have Black Spots On My Wood Trim And Along The Baseboard What Is Your Opinion

Its difficult to say without seeing the actual piece of equipment. If it was a moisture meter, they work on either a relative or absolute scale. If its an absolute scale meter , the cutoff of concern is around 18-20%. Anything above this should be investigated further. Below this is normal.

Relative scale moisture meters work on either a 0-100 or 0-200 scale. Of the models Ive used, none would indicate a water problem until above 20.

Note, these only read moisture content. There are no devices on the market that can count the number of mold spores on a surface. All mold sampling requires lab analysis.

The fact you have water entering the basement and visible mold is cause for concern. Id hire a reputable basement waterproofing contractor to evaluate the source of the leak.

Need To Schedule Professional Mold Testing In New Jersey

Mold Testing Kits

If you think your home may have a mold problem, the team at GreenWorks is here to help. We offer comprehensive mold testing and inspection services in New Jersey.

Our team of certified mold inspectors will come to your home, assess the problem, and take samples for testing. We will then provide you with a detailed report of our findings and recommendations for further action.

To learn more or to schedule service, contact us today or call us at . We look forward to helping you ensure a healthy and safe home for your family.

Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold Out Of Grout

I Heard About Toxic Molds And Black Molds That Grow In Homes And Other Buildings Should I Be Concerned About A Serious Health Risk To Me And My Family

There is always a little mold everywhere in the air and on many surfaces.

Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins . Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. Not all fungi produce mycotoxins and even those that do will not do so under all surface or environmental conditions.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. Color is not an indication of how dangerous a mold may be. Any mold should be removed and the moisture source that helped it grow should be removed.

There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.

Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
  • Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
  • You will be subject to the destination website’s privacy policy when you follow the link.
  • CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance on other federal or private website.

Popular Articles
Related news