Does your house need a mold inspection? This is an important question to ask yourself, especially with all the new information and research coming out about the harmful effects of mold.

Many people’s homes are infested with mold, even if it is not visible. Mold can be hidden in drywall or insulation. If a home does have mold, it can cause negative or even debilitating health problems for individuals. So how do you know if you should order a mold inspection?

When does your house need a mold inspection?

If your living space has mold that you can see, that is an indicator that it needs a professional mold inspection. Mold “grows in colonies that look like round or oval spots” and can be white, yellow, green, grey, or black. If you can see mold on your bath/shower tiles, “On the inside of a window frame or the outside of your house,” you can clean it yourself — there is no need for an inspection. But if you can smell mold, which has a musty odor, your house needs an inspection.

Do you have allergy-like symptoms (wheezing, sneezing, coughing, etc.)? If yes, do yourself a favor and get your home inspected for mold.

How to test for mold yourself.

In some cases, do-it-yourself mold testing is appropriate. You can purchase a mold testing kit from most building supply stores. The actual kit consists of a small dish that the tester will add various ingredients to (ingredients that are conducive to mold growth). After a time, you may see mold growing in the dish. If the mold in the dish matches the mold in, say, your basement, that is a surefire sign that there is a mold infestation in your home.

How can mold be prevented?

The easiest way to deal with a mold problem is never to have one in the first place. In other words, prevention is the best strategy. But how can mold be prevented? Here are a few steps you can take to prevent household mold:

– Make sure your home humidity level stays below 40 percent

– Make use of a dehumidifier and/or an air conditioner in humid seasons

– Ensure home ventilation

– Keep carpet out of basements and bathrooms

– “Add mold inhibitors to paints before application”

Have you ever had a mold problem in your home? If so, what did you do to take care of it? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Sources:

http://www.mayindoorair.com/blog/2009/11/10/mold-inspection/

http://www.mayindoorair.com/blog/2009/11/10/mold-testing/

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/sickhomemold/#b

*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority.  Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.

Let’s Talk About It

Have you noticed any mold in your home? What will you do to eliminate it?

What health problems has mold caused you in the past?