Mold in your home isn’t commonly discussed as a health risk, but left unchecked, a mold problem can pose a serious risk to you and your family.
But how do we know if there’s a mold problem? And if there is, what do we do about it? A serious mold problem will require commercial remediation, so it’s a good idea to be aware of the signs of mold in your home, and how to handle it when it is discovered.
Here are a few tell-tale signs of mold and what you need to do about them.
A Musty Smell
Most of us are familiar with the smell of mold and mildew. Unfortunately, some of us are a little too familiar with it, and simply associate the smell with basements and attics, believing that it’s a normal odour in those types of environments.
It’s good to be aware of the fact that a musty smell in your home isn’t indicative of a healthy and clean environment, and should definitely be investigated as soon as it’s discovered – even if you think that’s just how your basement smells.
Visible Mold
Of course, the easiest way to identify mold is when we can see it. Thankfully, mold can be clearly visible on walls and ceilings, and in other areas too – usually in the form of dark or sometimes yellowish patches in your home. It’s good to know that mold and mildew look quite similar but being able to identify which you’re dealing with isn’t too important.
If you notice anything in your home that looks like mold or mildew, it should be addressed and taken care of as soon as you can.
Checking in Probable Spots
The tricky side of mold is that it can also grow in places that aren’t always visible to us, such as in the walls, behind panels, in the ceiling, and in other hard-to-reach places where we might never notice it.
This is why every so often, it’s a good idea to check out places in your home where mold commonly grows, such as near your plumbing, and other damp places.
Respiratory Symptoms
A less common way to identify a mold problem in your home is via the symptoms of exposure. If you struggle with unexplained respiratory difficulties, itchy or sore eyes, headaches and dizziness, it might be an indication of mold in your home or even your workplace.
Mold allergies are particularly common in infants and young children, so if the younger members of your family are displaying any of these symptoms, especially progressively, consider checking out a mold remediation company.
If members of your family are experiencing these symptoms, make sure there is only mold in your home, as these symptoms are similar to someone inhaling asbestos.
How to Handle it
Mild occurrences of mold can be handled simply by cleaning up the area and tackling the source of the problem – likely a leak.
However, if the problem has spread to those harder-to-reach places, it’s best to be in contact with professional services to ensure that it’s thoroughly cleaned, removed, and restored so that your home and your health are both taken care of.
