Published on September 4th, 2023
Mold spores can pose serious health threats, especially to children and the elderly, worsen asthma symptoms for those suffering respiratory conditions, trigger or worsen allergies in susceptible individuals, and affect those already having allergies.
If you see or smell signs of mold in your house, contact Anderson Air, one of Arkansas’ highest-rated HVAC and air-care companies.
1. Foul Smell
Mold produces spores that release an unpleasant odor when disturbed, often exposing a problem in damp or wet places where mold growth has taken root.
Mold infestation in your home is often indicated by a musty odor that becomes increasingly intense as mold grows and spreads throughout.
If you can smell mold it often means that spores are in the air. Mold spores can become airborne and inhaled, leading to various health problems that include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, rashes and irritation in the eyes, nose or throat.
A humidification system can help control moisture levels and prevent mold growth.
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2. Spots On Walls Or Ceilings
Mold can take the form of various shapes, textures and colors ranging from furry dark growths to black or brown specks.
Most species of household mold are harmless; however, certain strains – like Cladosporium (from which penicillin is manufactured) and Penicillium (used to manufacture penicillin) can exacerbate asthma in those already diagnosed.
One telltale sign of mold growth on walls or ceilings is spots – either as stains or black, green, orange or brown specks.
These often appear near leaky pipes, leaky p-traps under sinks, moisture issues like leaky shower heads or plumbing, bubbled wallpaper peeling back or bubbled wallpaper bubbling off altogether as sure indicators.
Regularly monitor for signs of trouble such as peeling wallpaper or paint, condensation on surfaces, and changes in humidity levels – these should all be closely inspected; this includes carpets/rugs for spots/odors/stains etc.
3. Worsened Asthma And Allergies
Mold can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms for those already living with them and also initiate new cases in those without.
Breathing mold spores may irritate the lungs, while certain varieties such as Alternaria, Cladosporium and Aspergillus produce allergens that aggravate symptoms further.
Allergies occur when our immune systems become over sensitive to small particles such as mold spores.
When inhaled, inhalation may trigger airway swelling and excess mucus production while reddening and irritating airways resulting in chest tightness, wheezing or coughing.
This results in uncomfortable symptoms that could even prove fatal, requiring hospital visits as well as antihistamines and decongestants to manage.
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4. Carpet Spots
If your carpet exhibits patches of fuzz or has an unpleasant musty odor, it could be mold.
Mold spores often travel through the air and land in humid environments like under your carpet or in ventilation and crawl spaces.
Carpets and rugs provide ideal environments for mold to flourish, particularly those made of porous materials like cotton and wool.
Penicillium thrives in damp places, while Aspergillus thrives on wallboard and insulation materials.
One easy way to test for mold growth in walls is by using a screwdriver to probe.
If the wall appears soft and the screwdriver easily penetrates it, chances are high that mold has taken hold and has colonized there.
Conclusion – Address It Quickly Before It Gets Worse
Mildew on surfaces like floors or walls must be taken seriously as it releases toxic mycotoxins that can pose health hazards.
You should wipe down all hard surfaces with an appropriate commercial product or dilute bleach solution in order to ensure they remain clean and dry.
As mold thrives in moist environments, any porous items exposed for extended periods should be removed as sources of mold growth after being cleaned and dried, such as carpeting, drywall, wallpaper or clothing.
Mold likes to lurk behind walls or in basement areas, so regular inspections should be conducted in areas that could harbor moisture, such as these.
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Image Source: Mihail Tregubov
