How Do You Tell If The Mold In Your House Is Dangerous
7 Signs You Might Have Toxic Mold In Your Home
Also to know is, how do you know if you have toxic mold in your house?
If you have mold in your home, your nose is one of the most inexpensive devises you can use to detect it. Mold smells, and chances are, you‘ll be able to detect the distinctive odor that taints the air around moldy walls, carpeting and other objects.
Secondly, how do you detect mold in a house? A mildewed surface is often difficult to distinguish from a dirty one. To test for mold and mildew and how to tell if your house has mold, simply dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew. If the area remains dark, you probably have dirt.
People also ask, what does living in a moldy house do to you?
Damage of Building MaterialsOnce the source of the mold has developed in a certain area, it has the ability to eat away at its host this can cause severe damage to the structural integrity of your property. Lowering the moisture levels within the home or building. Proper air circulation throughout the property.
Is some mold in a house OK?
Mycotoxin TestingTesting for mycotoxinsTestingMildewmoldMold does
The Paint Is Bubbling On Your Walls
Have you noticed that the paint is bubbling on the walls of your bathroom or near a window? One of the most common reasons paint begins to bubble is moisture. And where theres moisture, theres probably mold. You wont be able to cover up the problem with a fresh coat of paint you have to find the source of the moisture. It could be a leaky windowsill, too much humidity, or leaky plumbing. Once you fix the moisture issue, then you can repaint. Just make sure to scrape, patch, clean, and thoroughly dry the walls before rolling on the first coat.
What Does Black Mold Exposure Treatment Look Like
Just like the diagnosis, the treatment of mold exposure differs from doctor to doctor. One thing most doctors will advise you to do is to test for and, if needed, remove any unhealthy mold conditions from your home. Even if the treatment will help in the short-term, it wont be effective over the long-term if your indoor environment isnt improved.
To treat the symptoms, doctors may suggest:
- Over-the-counter medication. Medicine that would decrease the airway inflammation and suppress the allergic reactions.
- Nasal sprays to deal with a runny or stuffy nose or rinses to clear your nasal passages from inhaled mold spores.
- Regular allergy medicine
A persons immune system has to be working properly to fight mold symptoms, so changes in a lifestyle or diet might be necessary. In more severe cases of allergies, doctors prescribe immunotherapy to provide relief from symptoms
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Be Aware Of These Common Signs Of Mold
There are plenty of signs of mold infestation in your home, as you have seen. So, dont hesitate to contact a plumber to help you find the source of the issue. And, dont forget to bookmark this article so you can refer to it when needed!
Did you find this post helpful in learning about signs you have a mold in your home? If so, we have other home-related posts on our blog, so make sure to check them out!
Allergy Or Asthma Flare
Certain species of mold release a harmful substance calledmycotoxin, which can trigger respiratory issues for those with allergies and asthma . Have you found yourself sneezing, coughing, feeling fatigued or blowing your nose no matter the time of year? It may be time to give the home a thorough inspection.
Have you been experiencing an increase in your allergy and asthma symptoms? Mold in your home may be the culprit. If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, it’s critical that you act fast. Trust the Experts. Trust ProClean. #MoldRemediation#MoldAssessment#MoldRemoval
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What Are The 5 Major Signs Of Mold And What To Do About Them
by SEO Team | Dec 6, 2021 | Air Quality
Do you suspect mold has snuck into your home and settled in? You could be in the 70% of homeowners struggling with too much mold.
Finding and eliminating mold is critical for your household. Even if no one has adverse health effects, mold can cause property damage to your houses structures, ceilings, and walls. And the longer it goes untreated, the more mold remediation will cost.
Here are the top five tale-tale signs of mold to help you stay on alert against this toxic household infestation.
How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your House
Identifying the source of where the mold is coming from is the first step. While you may consider using a homemade, non-toxic cleaner to remove the mold, I would unquestionably advise you to hire a company who are experts at mold, and mold remediation.
Consider doing a search for mold cleaning services in google to find a reputable company with experience in removing mold. While you may want to save a few bucks, the expertise of a professional company in being able to help solve the root cause of the mold growth, prevent it from coming back, as well as reduce your exposure to the mold during the cleaning process will likely be completely worth it.
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What Is Mold Allergy
While many molds and fungi do not pose a health or wellness hazard, there are some molds that can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, which can be serious.
The most typical times when mold allergies are at their optimum are the months between July and the early fall months, but because mold can thrive throughout the year, mold allergies can occur all year round. Most types of mold and fungus become dormant in cold weather but become active again when spring arrives, starting the period of mold allergy. In cases of mold allergy, there is an overreaction of the bodys immune system where a person inhales the mold spores, causing the person to cough, itchy eyes, and make it difficult for the person to perform activities. It also creates breathing problems for some people, especially those with a known diagnosis of asthma.
If you are allergic to mold, your immune system overreacts when you ingest mold spores. A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes, and various other symptoms that make you miserable. In some people, mold allergy is associated with asthma, and exposure causes breathing difficulties and other respiratory symptoms.
If you are allergic to mold, the most effective defense is to minimize direct exposure to the types of mold that are causing your reaction. Medications can help control mold allergy reactions.
How Do Molds Get In The Indoor Environment And How Do They Grow
Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors. When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.
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Drip Drip Drip Condensation
Chilly, rainy day out? Cozying up near the window with a good book and cup of tea? Take a minute to note if there is any condensation forming on your doors and windows. If you see any condensation, this is a clear indicator of a substantial amount of moisture in the air. Concentrated amounts of moisture in the air will inevitably lead to mold. Mold thrives in humid, damp environments. Therefore, it is important to invest in a quality dehumidifier when preventing mold growth in a high-humidity climate. A dehumidifier can allow you to set the desired humidity level in your house, enabling you to remove excess dampness.
How To Tell If You Have Mold In Your House
Mold can grow anywhere where there is moisture. Some common places are your walls, floors, appliances, carpet, furniture, air conditioner, & /or your humidifier.
Things to consider:
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Removing Red Mold From Grout
To remove red mold on grout, mix one-part water with one-part vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the grout and allow the solution to sit for about five minutes. Use a toothbrush to scrub the grout. Wipe away residue with warm water.
Or, apply a small amount of baking soda to the vinegar mixture to create a paste. Apply the paste to the grout. Let it sit for five minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush and then rinse with warm water.
You Find Dark Or Colored Spots On Your Walls
Mold can appear in many shapes, textures, and colors. It can look like anything from green, dripping slime definitely something youd notice to an innocuous-looking grey fuzz. If your walls are coming out in spots, its worth double-checking that there isnt a leak in the pipes or uncontrolled humidity in the room.
If you have a pre-existing breathing problem that seems to flare up after long periods at home, mold could be the culprit.
Most species of household mold wont bother people without breathing issues but can aggravate asthma in individuals who already suffer from the condition. Consider scheduling a doctors appointment and a mold inspection if your breathing problems seem to worsen without a clear cause.
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When To See A Doctor
Its a good idea to see a doctor if youre not sure if your rash is caused by mold or something else. The doctor can order an allergy test that can either confirm your allergy or help you find the cause of your rash.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the following situations warrant a visit to a dermatologist or primary care doctor:
- the rash covers your entire body
- you have a fever
How Do Molds Affect People
Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people with asthma symptoms in people with asthma and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition.
In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould pdf iconexternal icon pdf icon. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies.
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Health Symptoms That Can Be Caused By Mold In Your House
Mold doesnt bother everyone. In fact, 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. Still, some of us are sensitive to molds. People who are allergic to an indoor mold can experience year-round symptoms like a sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, and more for those who also have asthma, mold can trigger an asthma attack. People with a weakened immune system or a chronic lung condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can develop a serious infection in the lungs if theyre exposed to mold.
People without allergies and asthma arent immune to the effects: In 2004, the Institute of Medicine concluded that 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.
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Your Eyes Are Watery And Stinging
People can have allergic reactions to mold, explains Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist/immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network. The symptoms can include itchy and watery eyes, coughing, and nasal congestion. If you suspect mold is triggering these symptoms, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology suggests you track your reactions for two weeks to see if they kick in when youre in certain rooms or spaces within your house. You can also visit an allergist for a blood or skin test to confirm the allergy.
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Suspect Mold In Your Home
If you live in New York City and you suspect mold might be growing somewhere in your house or apartment, get help today from Green Orchard Group.
We are a leading environmental services company that specializes in mold assessment and remediation services. Our licensed mold experts have over 25 years of experience, knowing exactly where to look for mold and how to get rid of it.
If youre not certain whether or not you have mold, call us to speak with an expert today or click the button below to send us an email. Were happy to talk you through your concerns or go over pictures with you.
If You Or Anyone At Your Home Has Allergies
Allergies are the prominent symptom of mold. If you have signs like puffy eyes, chronic stuffy nose, irritated eyes, breathing problems as shortness of breath and sinusitis etc.
This can be because of mold or any other allergen in the locality. It can also lead to cough which can be severe later. If it gets severe it can lead to bloody cough, body aches, low electrolytes level or electrolyte imbalance which can also cause seizures.
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What Happens If You Eat Food With Mold
The thought of eating something moldy likely makes you want to gag. Most of the time, this is the only symptom youd get after eating moldy food. If somethings not right with your immune system and you eat something moldy, you might experience symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- If you had an allergy to mold, then you might have symptoms connected with it as well
If you notice mold on your food that you dont want to throw away, then USDAs guide on handling moldy food will be for you.
Removing Red Mold From Shower Curtains
If red mold develops on your shower curtain, place the shower curtain in the bathtub. Add 2 quarts of water and 4 tablespoons of non-chlorine bleach. Let the shower curtain sit for an hour, and then scrub and rinse with warm water.
You can also combine two parts hydrogen peroxide with one-part water in a spray bottle. Lay the shower curtain flat on the floor. Spray the curtain with the peroxide mixture and allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes. Scrub and rinse with warm water.
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Whats The Best Way To Get Rid Of Red Mold
Several at-home products can effectively remove red mold. Before cleaning surfaces, protect yourself to prevent contact with the mold. Always wear goggles, gloves, and a dust mask. You should also open a window before cleaning to increase ventilation.
To clean red mold from hard surfaces , you can use a commercial cleaning product like bleach.
Combine one-part bleach with three parts water. Next, soak a cloth in the bleach solution and apply it over the surface. Let the solution sit for about an hour, and then scrub and rinse with warm water.
