What should I Look for?

The following are signs that mold could be growing in your home and needs to be eradicated:

1. High humidity – areas that are prone to high levels of humidity retain moisture for longer amounts of time, fostering mold growth.
2. Pipe or water leaks – surfaces that are consistently wet provide a home for mold, and leaks can be difficult to detect.
3. Flooding – large scale water damage to a home is very conducive to mold growth.
4. Musty, moldy odors – odors are a good indication that mold is present.
5. Increased respiratory problems or allergies – a Mayo Clinic study, completed in 1999, found that most chronic sinus problems were caused by mold in the home.
6. Symptoms of toxic poisoning – signs that family members are being affected include dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating and maintaining an attention span.
7. Leaky Roof – the attic will show signs of water damage.
8. Damp basement or crawlspace – moisture in dark environments encourages mold growth.
9. Rusting or condensation – can be signs of a leak.
10. Discoloration or water stains on walls – water stains will indicate locations of leaks, while
discolored spots may indicate locations of mold.
11. Peeling paint – the mold could have had a chance to grow before the wall was painted, causing the current peeling.
12. Warped wood – this is a sign that moisture is present in sufficient levels to allow mold to grow.
13. Growth of mold in bathroom tile areas – this is a very good indication that mold is growing in other areas of the house.
14. Visible mold growth – indicates a strong presence of mold elsewhere in the house.
15. Poor ventilation – if moisture from the home, including appliances, isn’t vented, it can facilitate mold growth.
16. Wet materials inside the house – any areas of carpet or flooring that are wet frequently can also house mold.

While being unsightly and sometimes difficult to clean, mold should be removed from the home. It causes damage to the home itself, but the most intense effects are upon humans. Breathing mold spores can be very dangerous, especially for the very young or those who are advanced in years or adults with compromised immune systems. If you locate any of these signs in your home, it's time to conduct testing for mold to see how extensive the problem has grown.