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Let’s face it, mold is an eyesore as well as a nuisance. It can hide behind your walls, linger in damp corners, or creep through your basement storage area without much warning. Did you know that mold can also impact your health? Because mold-related symptoms often mimic seasonal allergies, sinus infections or common colds, homeowners can frequently overlook that their environment is the true cause of their symptoms.
If you have been feeling unwell and can’t pinpoint the reason, it’s important to understand the signs of mold exposure and how to determine whether your home is contributing to your symptoms. Read on to learn how to know if mold is making you sick, and what to do next.
Mold thrives in damp, humid environments. When mold grows, it releases tiny spores into the air. When you breathe these spores, they can irritate the nose, eyes, throat, lungs, and skin. Some molds also release VOCs or toxins, which can worsen symptoms for sensitive individuals.
You don’t need to see mold for it to affect you. Mold may be hidden inside walls, under flooring, behind cabinets, or in attics and crawlspaces. If your symptoms improve when you leave your home and get worse when you return, environmental mold could be the reason.
Mold affects everyone differently, but there are several symptoms frequently associated with exposure. This is especially true for people with allergies, asthma or pre-existing immune system issues. These symptoms, unfortunately, often appear gradually, which makes them easy to dismiss.
Because mold spores are airborne, your respiratory system is usually the first area affected. You may notice:
If you have asthma, mold can trigger more frequent attacks or increase your sensitivity to common triggers.
Many mold related symptoms mimic seasonal allergies. This is part of why it can be so tricky to track down!Common allergy/mold symptoms include:
If these symptoms occur year-round rather than seasonally, mold may be the culprit.
Some individuals become tired or experience frequent headaches when exposed to mold. This can happen due to inflammation, poor indoor air quality, or constant irritation of the respiratory system.
The biggest red flag for mold is when symptoms flare up in specific parts of your home, like your basement, bathrooms, laundry room or kitchen. This pattern is often the most obvious clue that mold is involved.
Even if you don’t see mold, your home might still be signaling a problem. To start, look for water damage or staining on your walls or ceiling. This might look like discoloration on walls, peeling or bubbling paint, soft drywall or dark spots on wood. Even minor leaks can lead to mold growth in as little as 24 hours.
High humidity issues should also prompt you to evaluate your home for mold. Rooms with humidity over 60% are ideal breeding grounds for mold. Condensation on windows, pipes, or walls often signals moisture problems.
Finally, mold produces a distinct smell, even if it is hidden away behind a wall or floorboard. A persistent musty smell is one of the strongest indicators of hidden mold. If the odor returns even after cleaning, it is likely coming from a hidden infestation.
Because mold-related symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, the best approach is to look at your home and health together.
Ask yourself when you start feeling worse. Is it at home or outside? Do your symptoms improve when you go on vacation or leave the house? Consistency is a major indicator.
If you have recently had a flood, leak, sewage backup or plumbing failure, there’s a strong chance mold is growing behind walls or under flooring.
Mold loves to grow in specific spots around your home. Check basements, bathrooms, kitchens, attics and crawlspaces for visible mold or any of the above, less obvious, signs.
While DIY mold kits do exist, they are notoriously unreliable. A professional inspection evaluates airborne spores, hidden moisture sources, and HVAC contamination to give you a better picture about what is going on in your home.
If the signs point to mold exposure, acting quickly can protect both your health and your home. First, don’t disturb the mold if you see any visible spots. Scrubbing or wiping can worsen the situation by releasing more spores into the air.
Next, address any moisture issues as mold cannot grow without moisture. Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and run dehumidifiers.
Finally, schedule a professional mold assessment to track down the source of the problem. Experts will locate the mold, identify moisture sources, and provide a remediation plan tailored to your home.
While mold exposure affects everyone differently, you should seek medical attention if you experience:
A healthcare professional can help you manage symptoms while mold issues at home are being handled.
Know that we have given you some helpful tips for how to know if mold is making you sick, don’t hesitate to call for help if you suspect an infestation. Relying on a team like Exit Mold to help you recover and feel better is crucial.
If you suspect mold is making you sick, don’t wait. Exit Mold provides expert inspections, safe mold removal, and long-term moisture solutions to restore the health and safety of your home.
If your holiday takes a wrong turn, our certified fire damage restoration team can restore your home quickly and safely.
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