It is essential to have a concern about any mold that might grow in your home because it can lead to an assortment of health problems that include:
• Itchy skin
• A runny nose
• Sinus congestion
• Asthma attacks
• Scratchy throat
• Lung infections
• Cognitive difficulties
There are hundreds of species of mold that can grow on the visible or hidden surfaces of a building, and some of the varieties are more dangerous than others are. Here are some of the signs that there is a mold infestation somewhere in your home.
Mold Sign 1: Seeing Mold Growth
You have probably seen mold growing in your bathroom because it is a moist and darker room that may have poor ventilation. This type of mold is usually green, black or pink, and you might scrub it away with an application of household cleaners such as bleach. If the mold is growing thickly, then you might scrape away the caulking around bathtubs to replace it with a new substance that doesn’t have any mold growth. However, this type of mold will emit spores that can contaminate other areas of a home, including in the ductwork or between the walls.
Mold Sign 2: A Foul Musty Odor
If you notice a constant musty odor in your home, then it is possible that mold is growing in hidden areas. You might try scrubbing the ceilings, walls or floors along with washing draperies, upholstery and rugs to eliminate the odor but it may not go away. The disgusting odor may seep into your home’s living areas through the venting systems or from the spaces between the walls, but the only way to get rid of this mold is by hiring an expert who understands where to look for the contamination.
Mold Sign 3: Pest Infestations Inside Your Home
When you notice a lot of insects or rodents inside your home, you may have a mold problem. Mold grows in places where there is moisture, and rodents or insects are looking for water to drink. It is possible that you have a home that is too humid, but you may also have a home that has leaking water pipes. Make sure to inspect your home’s water pipes to find any leaks that can lead to moist drywall or wood flooring.
Mold Sign 4: Allergic Reactions and Chronic Health Problems
If you keep having chronic health problems or allergic reactions such as sneezing, breathing difficulties or itchy eyes, then you may have mold in your home. It isn’t normal to have the same type of health concerns or allergic reactions year-round, but if your home has mold, then you are getting ill from the contamination rather than from bacteria or viruses. While you can change the filters in climate-control equipment and scrub all visible surfaces, you cannot sanitize a home’s ductwork on your own. However, you can contact ProClean Air Duct Cleaning in Gaithersburg, Md., at 301-447-0610 for additional information.