Signs and Symptoms of Allergies to Mold in Your Home

Are You Allergic to Mold? Look Out For These Signs and Symptoms

When it comes to water damage, it’s best to work as quickly as possible. Water damage isn’t just unsightly to look at — it can also gravely affect your health. Not only can your furniture and other belongings get ruined, but water can also lead the way for mold to develop. Mold can be hard to spot and often becomes visible only after it has already spread. Before mold is visible, however, there are some symptoms and signs that can give mold away. Here is everything you need to know about mold allergies in your home. Follow along with WOW Total Cleaning & Restoration for more!

What is Mold?

Before explaining the signs and symptoms of mold, let’s learn more about it. Mold is a type of fungus known to digest substances and matter. Outside, mold is a crucial part of the decomposition process and breaks down matter into the soil. It spreads through airborne spores as well as on the bottom of your shoes, clothes, windows, and even pets.

Inside your home, however, mold is not at all beneficial—it can quickly take up residence anywhere with low light and humidity. Frequent areas include bathrooms, basements, attics, rugs, carpets, drywall, and near pipes. In general, mold needs to be removed quickly because it can cause health issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and even upper respiratory infections in those with compromised immune systems.

Contact our team if you need a mold inspection!

What Are the Main Types of Mold?

Different types of molds can appear inside your home, varying in appearance, texture, and color. Aspergillus is a type of mold that can look powdery, Penicillium is fuzzy, and Cladosporium is dark green. The most dangerous kind of mold is Stachybotrys, also known as black mold, which can cause severe breathing and respiratory problems. No matter what kind of mold it is or where it’s located in your home, it’s important to get rid of it right away. But what if the mold isn’t visible yet? How can you tell if there is a fungus among us?

Signs To Look Out For

Thankfully, there are ways to spot mold before an entire infestation develops. Mold often first appears as a small fleck that looks like dirt. It isn’t always dark, either—keep an eye out for any green, blue, or white spots. Pay attention to the smell, too: if the area has a musty, almost earthy smell, it could be mold. Also look for any materials and furniture that have started to warp and peel, as that is a sign of mold. Another trick to verify mold is to pour a drop of bleach onto the spot. If the color changes within a minute, it’s mold.

Physical Symptoms

Not only can mold be spotted—it can be felt, too. Mold exposure can cause a wide range of symptoms and allergies. Symptoms include wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, headaches, skin rashes, sore throat, and congestion. Those with certain conditions, such as COPD and cystic fibrosis, can be more prone to serious illness. Mold can also trigger allergic reactions in individuals.

Become Fungus Free

Remember that mold can only grow under the right conditions—low light, humidity, and moisture. If there has been any type of flooding or leaks in your home, it’s important to dry out your home as best as possible to ensure mold doesn’t develop. If mold has already sprouted, the first thing to do is to put on personal protective equipment, such as eyewear and a mask, to prevent exposure to mold.

Open as many windows as you can to help remove moisture, and grab cleaning supplies such as bleach (be sure to wear gloves and never mix cleaners with ammonia or bleach—this can create an extremely toxic substance), and brush it out.

Hire a Mold Remediation or Removal Company!

If there’s a significant amount of mold in your home, you have conditions that make you more susceptible to mold exposure, or you’re having a hard time ridding your home of the fungus, it’s time to call a professional. For over eighteen years, WOW Total Cleaning & Restoration has been proud to serve the Austin area. With years of experience in restoration and water damage, unbeatable value, and quality, WOW Total Cleaning & Restoration is proud to lead the Austin area in restoration services. Contact us today.