Can You Smell Mold
One of the first signs of mold in your home could be the smell it is putting off into your environment. Mold produces gasses called microbial volatile organic compounds . A fair amount of the gasses produced can be completely odorless but some, however, can produce a musty smell that can be quite pungent. If a musty smell develops in your home, there is a good chance that mold can be growing in your home inconspicuously. The musty odor can also contribute to the release of compounds from mold spores, which can become dangerous when inhaled. These compounds called mycotoxins can be toxic and lead to an array of possible medical issues, such as difficulty breathing, sinus infection, bronchitis, sore throat, inflammation, and digestion problems.
What Happens If You Breathe In Black Mold
For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath.
However, if you breathe in large amounts of mold for a long time, it can cause chronic allergy or cold like symptoms, or more serious side effects such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, or even mold growth in lungs or respiratory systems.
Signs Of A Black Mold Infestation
It is difficult to see and identify black mold. The first clue that it may be present in your home comes from the symptoms of exposure, such as nasal congestion or coughing. However, only a trained professional can accurately diagnose whether black mold is present by having a professional analysis completed.
Another way to tell is a musty smell. Most species of mold and mildew cause a musty smell throughout your home, and the highest concentration of that smell likely has the most
If you can physically see the mold in your home, in most cases its bad enough that you probably need to call a professional mold removal team.
Recommended Reading: How To Remove Mold From Plywood Subfloor
Prevent Mold From Growing Back
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, such as the basement
- Fix leaks in the roof, walls, windows, or pipes
- Ventilate bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas
- Vent clothes dryer to the outside
- Use mold-resistant paint
- Dry areas that are wet or have been flooded within 24 to 48 hours, throw out anything that cannot be completely dried
When To See A Doctor
Someone should go and see their doctor, as soon as any symptoms worsen or become severe. In particular, any flu-like symptoms or signs of water in the lungs should be referred to a doctor immediately.
If the factors that are causing the pneumonitis symptoms cannot be removed, adjusted or avoided, a doctor should also be seen for different treatment options.
Pneumonitis can cause permanent damage to the lungs if it is not treated early. As a result, it is best to see a doctor before symptoms become severe or impossible to treat with self-care.
You May Like: How To Stop Mold In Attic
How Do You Get The Molds Out Of Buildings Including Homes Schools And Places Of Employment
Mold growing in homes and buildings indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem to address.
Remove moldy items from living areas. Once mold starts to grow in carpet, insulation, ceiling tiles, drywall, or wallboard, the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement.
It is important to properly clean and dry the area as you can still have an allergic reaction to parts of the dead mold and mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture.
Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after any flooding. Dig out mud and dirt. Use a wet vacuum to remove remaining dirt. Scrub cleanable surfaces with soapy water and a bristle brush. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with water and dish detergent. Dry surfaces quickly and thoroughly after cleaning. If you have a fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier that wasnt affected by flooding use it to help the surfaces dry after you finish cleaning
Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.
If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:
Facts About Stachybotrys Chartarum
What is Stachybotrys chartarum?
Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth.
Does Stachybotrys chartarum cause acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants?
To date, a possible association between acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants and Stachybotrys chartarum has not been proven. Further studies are needed to determine what causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage.
What if my child has acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage?
Parents should ensure that their children get proper medical treatment.
Is there a test for Stachybotrys chartarum?
At present, no test exists that proves an association between Stachybotrys chartarum and particular health symptoms. Individuals with persistent symptoms should see their physician. However, if Stachybotrys chartarum or other molds are found in a building they should be removed.
Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds may cause health symptoms that are nonspecific. It is not necessary to determine what type of mold you may have growing in your home or other building. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.
Also Check: Can You Get Mold Out Of Wood Furniture
Where Is Mold Found In A Home
A research study found that Stachybotrys preferred a very high relative humidity within wallsapproximately 97%which indicates that relative humidity could be an important risk factor . For black mold, you may consider smaller microclimates that may harbor such humidity levels: sweating pipes, under sink cabinets, front loading washing machines, standing water, roof leaks, damp cars, windows with condensation, etc. Generally, common places to check for mold growth include the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.
However, humidity alone is not the only requirement for mold growthmold requires nutrients to grow. Any environment that has nutrients like cellulose or other organic matter can harbor mold if the humidity level is right. To further enable mold growth, an environment that has poor air flow and minimal disruption is ideal. For example, you can find mold on wallpaper, furniture, drywall, overly-packed bookshelves or overstuffed closets.
Is It Safe To Sleep In A Room With Mildew
Because of the risks that come with mold exposure, it can be unsafe to sleep in a house with mold, particularly in the affected areas because you put yourself at risk of mold allergies. This becomes especially concerning if you are sensitive to the mold. When mold grows indoors, it can often be found in the bathroom.
Donât Miss: Basement Mold Removal Diy
Don’t Miss: What To Use To Remove Mold From Wood
How Much Mold Exposure Is Harmful
While there is no magic number for how much black mold you need to be exposed to before it poses health risks, no level of contact is truly healthy, and you should take steps to avoid or limit your exposure. Every persons body reacts differently, and some individuals may have a higher tolerance before exhibiting symptoms of harmful exposure.
If you suspect you were exposed to black mold, look at the symptoms below and contact your physician if youre experiencing any of them.
How Did I Get Mold
Like any other living thing, mold needs food and water to thrive. Mold problems start when a mold spore thats floating in the air lands on a wet piece of organic material , takes root and starts to multiply. Mold spores are everywhere in the air, including in the cleanest of homes.
In fact, every breath you take likely has some mold spores in it at low levels! In the home, mold usually grows wherever there is dampness and moisture, like basements, attics, kitchens and bathrooms, or areas that have experienced flooding.
With over 100,000 species, mold comes in about any size, shape, and color you can think of, making it impossible to tell what type of mold you have without testing by a certified mold inspection professional.
Also Check: What Health Problems Are Caused By Mold
Water Damage Restoration Experts
When you spot Black mold in your home it is important to contact mold removal and remediation professionals. At Supreme Restoration, we are water damage and mold remediation specialists who can identify the extent of mold contamination as well as thoroughly cleaning and removing all traces of mold spores in your home so that you can return to living a healthy, mold-free life again.
We understand that water damage from flooding or leaking roofs can cause mold growth to grow at any time, thats why we offer 24/7 mold remediation services. Contact the team at Supreme Restoration today.
Types Of Harmful Mold That May Be Lurking In Your Home
While mold is found virtually everywhere you go and is not always harmful, there are certain types of mold or fungi that can pose a serious health risk to you and your family if they are present in your home. Here are a few of the most common species of toxic mold that can grow inside homes wherever there are wet surfaces or water damage, and a few tips for what to do if you think there might be harmful mold in your home.
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Dishes With Mold
How Does Mold Get Indoors
Mold spores are so tiny that they can enter a room through doorways, air vents, windows, or HVAC units. Mold spores can also be attached to your clothing or footwear or carried in a pets fur.
These mold spores arent a problem until they fall onto a damp area, at which point they will start to grow.
How Do Molds Affect People
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.
The above does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional, your state or local health department, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mold website.
Don’t Miss: Is It Dangerous To Clean Black Mold
Can Black Mold Spores Travel In The Air
Yes. Mold spores are airborne and can attach themselves to peoples skin, clothing, shoes, shopping bags, furniture, carpets, and even pets. Once spores enter your home, they can settle onto any surface and start to multiply. They can also enter your house through open doorways, open windows, and HVAC systems.
Mold spores are microscopic and are virtually found everywhere. They are naturally found in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. Since spores are tiny and lightweight, they become airborne easily, every time we vacuum or walk on the carpets or even sit on our couch.
What Is Black Mold
Stachybotrys chartarum is a common black mold. It can also be a greenish color. It grows on cotton, wood, and paper products. It sometimes produces toxic chemicals that are found in its airborne spores and fungus fragments.
These are called mycotoxins and are dangerous if they’re eaten. There’s no link to inhaled Stachybotrys chartarum mycotoxins and deadly diseases. But there are risks for people with allergies, asthma, and other hypersensitivities.
There is no evidence that black mold causes symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, an inability to focus, or a headache. These symptoms have been referred to as “toxic mold syndrome” but are largely due to media hype. Yet some people are allergic to mold. It should always be removed from your home.
Read Also: How Do You Find Mold In Your House
Preventing Black Mold In Your Home
Mold is everywhere. The spores are microscopic and in almost every environment you can imagine just take a look at sealed container that has been in the refrigerator for two weeks.
It is impossible to completely prevent mold from your home or any building. However, there are a number of ways to prevent mold from growing into a large-scale problem.
The most important part of mold prevention is moisture control. If you have a leak, flood, moisture ingress, or excess humidity then you must find out what is causing it and put an end to it quickly.
In addition to fixing a moisture problem, the next step is keeping the home dry.
Mold also needs and organic material to feed on. For this reason, you need to continually remove dust and debris from areas that do not typically get a lot of ventilation, such as closets, walls, under and behind furniture, all horizontal surfaces, interior/exterior walls and ceiling corners. In addition, you want to avoid pushing furniture up against the walls, especially cooler exterior walls.
Ideally, The humidity inside your home should be 55% or less. Constant high humidity readings 60% or more will produce condensation, leading to mold.
Constant high humidity readings 60% or more will encourage condensation leading to mold growth.
You can figure out the humidity levels inside the home by using a hygrometer.
Simple hygrometer for humidity and temperature
Normally the best solution to combat high humidity is to use a dehumidifier.
Contact Professional Mold Remediation Technicians
Fresh Air Technologies is proud to have provided professional mold remediation services for over 20 years to the residents and business owners of the Charlotte, NC area.
If you are seeing a concerning growth of one or more types of mold, please reach out to our team today. Our knowledgeable technicians can help you identify your mold colony, determine whether the mold is toxic to your health, and perform a mold remediation service. To get started, please reach out to us at today.
Read Also: How To Check For Mold Behind Stucco
Causes Of Damp And Mould
Mould and damp are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in buildings can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames.
A newly built home may be damp if the water used when building it is still drying out for example, in the plaster on the walls. Excess moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation.
If you have mould or damp it’s important to find out why you have excess moisture in your home. When you know what’s causing the damp, you can make sure your home is repaired or take steps to limit the moisture in the air. You may need to get a professional to remove mould for you, but if it’s only a small amount you may be able to remove it yourself.
Who Is Most At Risk For Health Problems Associated With Exposure To Mold
People with allergies may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease 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.
You May Like: Do It River Sinker Mold
How Is Mold Poisoning Treated
The effects of mold poisoning can be tricky to treat. Traditional treatments like antifungals do not work because in cases of fungal toxicity there is no actual fungal infection present within the body. Instead, its a matter of treating the effects while assisting your body to clear out the harmful toxins on its own.
The first and foremost step in treating fungal toxicity is to remove yourself from the harmful environment. Since mold poisoning is your immune systems response to being exposed to the mycotoxins produced by black mold, the sooner you limit your contact, the better. This step will prevent your condition from worsening while you seek other forms of treatments in addition to preventing your symptoms from returning in the future.
The following medications can help you manage your respiratory-related symptoms:
Your body can also benefit from treatments that boost the immune system which will help your body to naturally filter out toxins more quickly and effectively. Be sure to consult with your doctor to put together a treatment plan that works best for you.
- Probiotics and antioxidants
- Limiting exposure to other toxins like pesticides and heavy metals
- Use of binding agents like charcoal and clay to prevent the toxins from re-circulating throughout the body
Summary Of Health Problems
Many types of indoor mold, not just black mold, may cause health problems in some individuals.
Long-term exposure to high levels of mold in the home, however,
People who are most at risk of the symptoms of mold exposure are:
- infants and children
- people with allergies or asthma
- people with weakened immune systems
The main health risks related to mold exposure are allergies and irritation, which typically cause respiratory symptoms.
People with weakened immune systems may also have a risk of fungal infection.
You May Like: How To Get Mold Out Of Leather
