Signs and Symptoms of Allergies to Mold in Your Home

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

What is Mold?

Before explaining the signs and symptoms of mold, let's learn more about it. Mold is a type of fungi 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 that ranges 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 some ways to point out mold before there is an entire infestation. Mold often first appears as a small fleck, usually looking like dirt. It isn’t always dark, either—keep an eye out for any green, blue, or white spots. Pay attention to smell, too: if the area has a musty, almost earth-like smell, it can 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.

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Physical Symptoms

Not only can mold be spotted—it can be felt, too. Mold can cause a plethora of symptoms and allergies due to mold exposure. 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 trigger allergy attacks in individuals as well.

Become Fungus Free

Remember that mold can only grow in the right kind of 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 mold exposure.

Open as many windows as you can to try to get rid of the moisture and grab some cleaning supplies, such as bleach (be sure to use 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!

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