According to the CDC, mold is a common pollutant found in US households that can lead to a number of respiratory problems.
If you have mold in your home, it’s important to remove it as quickly as possible. The question is, how can you be sure if it’s really there?
Black mold symptoms tend to present themselves in a variety of ways. Before paying for a costly mold test, inspect your home for black mold symptoms on your own.
What are these symptoms and what should you do if you detect them? Read on to find out.
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Musty Odors
One of the first things homeowners tend to notice when they have a mold problem is a musty smell. Mold is often described as smelling earthy or stale. It is likely that you will notice these smells more in certain rooms—perhaps the basement or bathroom—than in others.
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Respiratory Symptoms That Get Worse at Home
When you have mold growth in your home, mold spores will enter your air and may exacerbate respiratory discomfort. You may notice symptoms like sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, and more. This may become more severe for individuals with allergies or asthma.
If these symptoms seem to lessen when you leave your home, this is a good indication that you have an issue with your air quality that may be caused by mold.
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Humidity
Humidity isn’t exactly a symptom of mold, but rather a sign that mold is able to thrive. Mold tends to favor areas that are damp, dark, and warm. If you notice an increase in humidity in your home, take some time to look around for other black mold signs.
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Areas That Appear Damp
As we mentioned earlier, mold prefers areas that are damp. Mold growth tends to lock in that moisture and as a result, you may notice damp patches on your floors, walls, or ceilings. If you discover damp patches, you may find mold growing on the opposite side of those damp surfaces.
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Visible Mold Growth
Perhaps the easiest way to spot mold is to, well, spot mold. Black mold, in particular, tends to look either black or dark green. It tends to grow in patches that spread from a dense center, although it can also appear in a speckled pattern.
I Found Black Mold Symptoms: What Now?
If any of these black mold symptoms sound familiar to you, it’s time to tackle your mold issue head-on.
Take a look at these tips for mold removal so that you can avoid worsening issues down the line. While some methods are DIY, it’s often best to bring in the professionals!
Keep Your Home Mold-Free
If you’re beginning to notice an increase in respiratory ailments, you may have a mold issue on your hands. Keep an eye out for health issues and other black mold symptoms to keep your home clean and your family safe.
Looking for more tips and tricks to sharpen your homeowner skills? Check out more of our content to stay in the loop!
