Did you know that breathing in too much mold can cause a severe infection that could target your lungs? Mold can also cause a sore throat, skin rash, or stuffy throat in small amounts.
Immune-compromised individuals should be extra careful not to get a chronic lung disease. Knowing the signs of mold is essential to ensure that you do not risk your health.
Here is everything you need to know about the early signs of mold to learn what not to ignore.
Strange Smells
One of the earliest signs of a mold infestation is a stale and musty smell wafting through your home. The scent will start as a tiny hint, but it intensifies and becomes much more noticeable over time.
This is because mold expels microbial volatile organic compounds into the air. This includes pungent chemicals like carboxylic acids, terpenes, and aldehydes. When mixed together, they can create the most unpleasant odor that can be damp and stale.
More Allergies
One of mold’s most significant health risks is that it can trigger many allergies. This is because mold spores are airborne irritants.
They can worsen allergy symptoms like shortness of breath, red eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and wheezing.
If you are indoors and notice your symptoms worsening, you may need to tackle a mold problem. Symptoms may also worsen in areas of the property, such as nearby air vents, closets, attics, and bathrooms.
Moisture Problems
Do you feel a lot more humidity in your house lately? This is another sign of a mold problem. This is because mold spores that are typically harmless and inactive in the air will not grow unless there is moisture to help them.
They need wet, damp, and humid conditions to produce more. So, if you have had a water leak recently or have a lot of moisture coming from somewhere, it is a sign that the mold may already be thriving in your home.
It also helps to look at your leaky pipes, kitchens, basements, and condensation from your HVAC system. These are notorious for getting wet or building up moisture.
Dark Stains
The mold that grows on your ceilings and walls will look like a series of dark-colored patches. This is a discoloration that can appear in different colors and shades.
However, black and brown patches are mostly the ones you see. It is not impossible to see yellow, blue, and grey ones. Analyzing the texture is the best way to know if the stain is mold growth.
Usually, mold will appear slimy and fuzzy. This is when you need to hire mold removal services.
Then you can easily smear it. Otherwise, it would help if you tried to dab the spot with diluted bleach. The stain should light up after a few minutes if you have a mold problem.
Dealing With Early Signs of Mold
Now that you know the early signs of mold to look for, it is time to start examining your home for dark patches or areas with a lot of moisture that smell funky.
If you suspect a mold problem, it is always best to call professionals instead of tackling it yourself. Contact us today so we can help protect your health.
