Mold is a common problem for many homeowners in the United States. Studies indicate that about 45 million buildings in the US have unhealthy mold levels. The microorganisms grow on damp surfaces, including under the carpet, bathroom walls, and kitchen. Mold testing remains the most effective way of identifying and addressing mold issues in your home.
Where Does Mold Grow?
Mainly, mold thrives in dark and damp areas in your house. Thus, mold testing is primarily conducted in areas with a definite water source. Areas that may have experienced flooding or water leaks are also prone to mold growth.
So, the first areas to look through include:
- Under the kitchen sink
- Bathrooms
- Ceilings
- Basement
- Under the floorboards
- Wooden walls
- Areas where plumbing pipes are installed
How Do You Know if Your Home Has Mold?
In most cases, mold grows in hidden places and usually goes undetected. In other instances, the signs of mold growth are openly visible on the floor, walls, furniture, and ceiling.
The main signs to check include:
- Cracking and peeling of the wallpaper
- Persistent cold characterized by sneezing and running nose
- Dark or colored spots on the wall
- Severely itchy skin
- Allergies that never easily subside
- A musty odor in the house
Why Is Mold Testing Essential?
Mold remediation starts with testing. During testing, professionals use two main methods:
- Air Sampling: Indoor air samples are collected and analyzed to determine if there are elevated mold levels.
- Lift Tape Sample: A piece of tape is placed in specific areas in your house to collect mold spores. The tapes are then taken to the lab for analysis.
If mold growth is left unchecked, it can cause extensive property damage. Also, toxins from the mold can adversely affect people who might inhale, ingest, or come into contact with it. Mold exposure takes three main stages:
- Stage 1: This stage is characterized by short-term exposure. The symptoms to watch include itchy eyes and skin, sneezing, and headaches.
- Stage 2: As you spend more time in a mold-contaminated environment, the symptoms become increasingly severe, including constant fatigue, hair loss, and memory loss.
- Stage 3: Prolonged exposure to mold leads to brain damage, bleeding lungs, cancer, and even death
Why Should You Outsource Mold Testing Services?
Since you can't test for molds on yourself, you need to engage a professional. Experts know where to start looking and what to look for during the mold testing process. They are highly trained to conduct the testing correctly and interpret results accurately.
The Bottom Line
Mold testing is vital for your family's safety and health. Home mold testing professionals can help detect and remove all traces of invisible and visible mold in your house.
