Generally the rule of thumb is that if you can see Mold and you can smell moldy mildew in the air, you do have a mold problem. Look for visible mold growth (it may look cottony, velvety, rough, or leathery and have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow, or green). Mold often appears as a staining or fuzzy growth on furniture or building materials (walls, ceilings, or anything made of wood or paper). Look for signs of moisture or water damage (water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation, etc.).

Unfortunately some people are sensitive to mold. Symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes may than occur. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses and bacteria. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in persons with asthma. Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds and body aches and pains are sometimes reported in mold complaints, but the causes of these physical symptoms are not yet understood. If you constantly have unexplained sicknesses, allergic reactions, respiratory problems yet there is no visible mold it might be a good idea to perform an air sample to determine type and concentration of mold spores in the breathable air.

Mold needs three things to thrive

• Nutrients (food)
• A suitable place to grow
• Moisture

Many of you might find it hard to believe but nutrients are really plentiful in our household environment, Many building materials (such as wood, sheetrock, etc.) provide food that can support mold growth. Even dust particles, or oily fingerprint smudges that are ever-present, are enough of food source to support mold growth. Molds can grow almost anywhere there is enough moisture or high humidity. Controlling moisture is the key to stopping indoor mold growth, because all molds require water to grow.

Major causes of excessive moisture in a household:

• Water leaks from roofs, walls or windows
• Condensation caused but a high indoor humidity
• Plumbing leaks or broken water pipes
• Poor venting of kitchen and bathroom moisture (steam from shower or cooking)
• Overuse of humidifier

Do not risk over exposure to toxic molds let us help you with it! Call 773-986-8725 or use contact information form.