Mold - What You Need to Know

Mold growth is all about moisture, so it stands to6. Yellowy colored stains on walls, ceilings, and
reason, if you live in an area prone to high humidity,carpets are a sign of excessive moisture. A green,
then the chances of your home developing a moldbrown or blackish color may indicate the presence of
problem are much higher. Anything over a 55% RHmold. A medical grade black light shone over the area
level promotes mold and fungi growth. Often, heatingwill indicate a yellow glow if mold growth is present.
and cooling systems will mask that there is a humidityAlso look for areas that are bowing or swelling due
problem, and it's not until you actually test the roomto excess moisture. Paint peeling and loosening
with a humidity sensor or plug in a dehumidifier thatdrywall tape are also common indicators.
the condition is obvious.7. Blocked gutters can cause water to be absorbed
Physical Signs of Mold:into walls through the roof or collect at the base of
1. Mildewy or musty smells in the house can be a signthe foundation.
of a mold problem. The presence of this odor does8. Signs of condensation around windows, walls or
not mean you have a problem, but it should promptpipes, or rusting metal is a sure sign of high moisture
you to look for further signs.that may lead to a mold problem.
2. Increased or chronic allergy or respiratory9. Warped wood is a sure sign of excess moisture. A
problems, especially by all or most householdbuild up could cause mold growth.
members is a common sign that there is a problem.10. Mold growth behind tiles in a humid bathroom is a
According to a 1999 Mayo Clinic study, almost allcommon area for detection. The grout is porous, and
chronic sinus infections (we're talking about 37 milliononce the water penetrates, dirt is trapped and
Americans), are a result of mold.encourages mold cultivation.
3. When levels of toxins from black mold or other11. If the steam from dryers or other appliances are
fungi reach high levels, toxic poisoning can occur.vented indoors, this also can be a sign of a problem
Common signs include headaches, decreasedarea. Check for indications of mold around the vent
attention span, difficulty in concentration, andand surrounding area.
dizziness.12. Be on the lookout for the presence of any wet
Signs of Mold in Your Home:articles in the house such as rags, indoor clothes
1. Water pipe leaks, especially those that have gonedryers or areas where there is poor ventilation.
undetected, are perfect breeding grounds for mold.What to Do:
2. Areas of the house that may have been damagedWhen you see actual spores of mold growing,
from flooding is a common site for mold growth.perhaps in a small area of the bathroom or shower,
3. If your house has ever had a leaky roof, onetake immediate action before it spreads any further.
logical place to look for signs of mold is the attic.You'll need to identify the cause of the problem and
Look for evidence of water damage or mold growthcheck to see if it has spread to any other areas.
in ceilings on the upper floors.Thoroughly clean and disinfect the area and dry
4. Use of humidifiers can raise the moisture level to acompletely. Any spores left behind will continue to
point where mold growth is encouraged. Regulate thegrow once the area is exposed to any moisture.
humidity level so that it stays within a 55-60% RHTaking an actual sampling of the mold and sending it
range.off for testing can be expensive, and may only tell
5. A damp basement or crawl space can be a havenyou what you already know. You may be better off
for mold growth and go undetected for long periodsidentifying the extent of the problem and fixing it
of time. Water leaks from upper sources may alsoright from the start.
make their way down and add to the problem.