Mold is a type of tiny living organism in the fungus family. The spores thrive in moisture and spread rapidly in the presence of moisture. They can grow on any material and surface, particularly objects made of cellulose.
Recent studies show that most homes have some form of mold infection due to unknown indoor moisture issues. This leads to the rapid growth of damp areas like bathrooms, water-damaged basements, leaking pipes and roofs. Indoor mold growth poses a major health threat and must be removed quickly to prevent it from spreading. Therefore, mold detection is very important, one must be very attentive to the presence of this small organism and take appropriate measures to prevent it from multiplying.
Do-it-yourself mold screening at home
1. Look for visible mold.
Recognizing the natural characteristics of the organism will aid in the detection of visible mold. It appears in the form of an element similar to cotton. They usually develop in gray, green, black or white color.
2. It smells like mold.
Another simple way to detect mold is by smell. These killer organisms produce strong musty, earthy odors. So anytime you’re put off by moldy odors, start investigating right away. However, there are still some species that do not have an odor and that usually grow behind walls, between panels and channels. So if your home doesn’t smell moldy, it may not mean your home is mold free.
3. Base search.
If your basement experiences water damage, such as a flood, you may want to do a thorough checkup on your basement, as your basement is most likely filled with toxic mold. Look for any signs of water seepage or water stains on walls and ceilings. Strong musty odors could be an indication of infection.
4. Watch out for hidden mold.
Invisible mold is considered the most dangerous type, as it can grow very large without being detected with the naked eye. Watch out for frequent bouts of nasal congestion or stuffiness and constant throat clearing. These could suggest the presence of a hidden growth of this dangerous organism. Unknown earthy odors would further confirm its existence.
5. DIY mold test kits.
Get a do-it-yourself test kit to help detect harmful mold in your home. These test kits can be obtained at most hardware and home improvement stands. They are easy to use, following the instructions you can get the results instantly.
6. Get help from a certified inspector.
When you experience symptoms similar to mold exposure but do not detect the presence of this dangerous living organism, you can get help from certified mold inspectors. Their mold detection expertise can help pinpoint the exact spots of potential hidden growth.