Is it mold? Tips to identify potentially toxic fungus in your home
January 20, 2018Mold typically found in homes can be hard to permanently remove, and considering there are more 100,000 types of mold spores, it’s even trickier to identify. Today we’re going to share some easy-to-identify signs of common household molds as well the steps you should take to prevent health issues for your family if you spot one of them.
- Seeing mold – this one is obvious, but if you see mold growth, be sure to act immediately. Mold spreads fast, especially in conditions that allow it to thrive, so nipping the problem in the bud will not only promote positive health in your home, it could also save you a significant amount of money during the remediation and restoration process.
- Musty odor – mold produces gasses called microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC). While many MVOCs are odorless, some have a musty odor that’s a telltale sign of mold. If you smell mold, it means you’re also potentially inhaling mold spores, so be sure to take prevent negative impact to your family’s health.
- Allergic reactions – if you don’t typically have allergy issues, but you’re experiencing common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose and/or sore eyes (especially in the winter), there may be mold in your home.
- Psychiatric symptoms – toxic mold can cause a variety of symptoms, including depression, anxiety, brain fog and insomnia. If you or a family is exhibiting any of these conditions, speak with a medical professional immediately.
If you’re located in Michigan and believe mold may be present in your home – or if you’re unsure whether mold is present, but you want a professional opinion, our mold remediation experts here at Gold Star Property Restoration will help.
Contact us 24/7, 365. Our team will not only help you identify and remediate mold in your home, we’ll guide you through the complex insurance claims and restoration processes to rehabilitate your home and help you rise above the unexpected as quickly as possible.