Mold is a naturally occurring fungus that can be found in many different environments. Mold is a toxic substance that can negatively affect your health, the habitability of your home, and the surfaces upon which it grows. Drawn to moisture and warm places, there is a very good chance that this substance is hiding in your home. Here are some ways for you to identify its presence inside of your home.
Smell
In many cases, the presence of mold is detectable by its moldy smell. Of course, the smell alone will not necessarily lead you to where it is, but it will alert you to its presence. If you happen to notice a musty smell in your home, contact a mold removal service to discover and get rid of the source.
Appearance
While mold is often found underneath carpeting, tiles, and behind walls, it may also be in plain view. Unlike pests, mold will not run and hide, it grows where there is moisture and warmth. It can be black, dark grey, green, brown, and even white in color. It may or may not have a stringy and spongy like appearance. Sometimes it may look like dirt, mildew, or soot. Due to its nature of appearance the presence of mold is often overlooked.
Unexplainable Respiratory Issues
Many people are allergic to the spores that mold releases into the air. Exposure to mold spores can cause a variety of symptoms, including asthma, sore eyes, itchy skin, and sinus. In addition to these symptoms, prolonged exposure to this substance can lead to the development of chronic and more severe ailments. In many cases, these conditions can be easily reversed with proper medical care once the home has been treated for mold.
Humidity
Although mold tends to grow in areas of high humidity, it can spread to anywhere inside of your home. Without proper treatment, mold spores can survive in the harshest of environmental conditions. Inspect your home, especially areas where there is a high degree of moisture and humidity to ensure that this toxin is not present. Increase ventilation to these areas and make sure that the temperature is not conducive to moisture. One should never dismiss or ignore the signs of mold in their home. Only by properly educating oneself about the presence and dangers of mold, can one be truly motivated to take action to prevent its presence. Contact AQHI, Inc. today at 800-481-8080 and let us make your home toxin free.
