The Dangers of Mold in Your Home: Why Should You Care?

You come across a green, slimy patch of mold on the back patio and wash it away. No big deal. But when a dark section of mold starts to spread on the ceiling of your bathroom, you are running for the phone for a restoration company to come out with the HAZMAT uniforms. What’s the difference? Is there one? Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of mold in your home and why you should care in the first place.

Mold Only Needs a Few Things to Grow

To get mold going and growing, only a few things are needed: moisture, oxygen, a food source, and a surface. It could be that the food source is a warm bag of bread, but it doesn’t have to be that obvious. Did you know that mold can feed off dust? That means it can even be living somewhere you can’t see, such as in ductwork. It’s kind of a scary thought, but thankfully, once mold is found, it can be eradicated. If it’s living inside your walls and heating or air conditioning ducts, it will take a bit more work to get it out, though. Keep an eye on places that could collect water, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and under appliances. Also, if you live in an apartment with upstairs neighbors, it might be a good idea to do a visual check of the ceiling from time to time.

Mold Poses a Health Hazard

There’s a reason we don’t eat bread when it starts to get green: It can make you sick. The same is true of the mold that could be growing in your home. It can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and itchy eyes … many of the same symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. If the problem continues, mold can lead to asthma attacks and permanent lung damage. This is not something you want to ignore. Sure, it’s unsightly, but when it comes to the safety of your loved ones, you can understand why the dangers of mold in your home have suddenly come to life and escalated.

How to Determine If You Have a Problem

There are two sure-fire ways to identify if you have mold in your home: 1) visually, and 2) health issues. Mold is black or dark greenish-black and can be seen in areas that are warm and moist. Look at corners of ceilings, near air vents, and around baseboards. If you have a basement or attic, those are good places to check as well.

Besides visually, assess how your family feels after turning on your air conditioner or heater for the season. Did you notice the air quality deteriorate? That might be a good indicator that “something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” to quote The Bard. If you have any questions about mold or how to remove it from your home or office, contact Rocky Mountain Restoration at 480-309-2524; we’ll get to the bottom of the issue and get you back to normal.