Mold is a type of fungus present in our natural environment. Mold spores, which are tiny microscopic 'seeds', can be found virtually everywhere. Indoors, these spores can grow on building materials and furnishings if conditions are right for them. Excess moisture is the critical factor in any indoor mold -problem. Eventually, the moisture and mold will damage what it is growing on and can also be harmful to your health. The key to preventing mold growth is to prevent moisture problems.
If you suspect mold growth in your home (you may smell or even see it), it is important to act with urgency. The initial step should be contacting a professional for a thorough assessment. For both health and safety concerns, it’s important to have any mold removed as soon as possible and as efficiently as possible.
A professional will best assist in interpreting and properly handling your mold issues and concerns. However, as you wait for your appointment, you may still want to place mold test kits in various rooms throughout your home. Overall, homes are not completely sterile environments, so if you intend on investing in a mold detection kit, just be aware that mold spores are everywhere.
At the end of this post, I’ve made a few suggestions on which mold detectors and monitors you may like to consider if you’re not sure where to start!
MOLD CAN BE CAUSED BY:
• Water damage
• Leaking pipes, ceilings, roofs
• Areas with high moisture and poor ventilation (bathrooms, showers, etc.)
MOLD SYMPTOMS:
• Range from mild to severe
• May vary throughout the year
• Sneezing
• Coughing, loss of voice, hoarseness
• Watery eyes
• Itchy mouth/throat
• Runny nose
• Asthma attacks in asthmatics
Should you experience any concerns or symptoms, seek medical attention!
TIPS TO STOP & AVOID MOLD:
• Limit your time outside. If it's rainy or wet, stay indoors. In wet conditions mold spores are active, so it's beneficial to avoid the outdoors in the rain.
• Wear a dust mask. A mask helps prevents inhalation of mold spores and is especially helpful if you are allergic or have asthma.
• Keep windows closed. During rainy conditions or at night, close your windows so that mold spores do not drift inside.
• Clean bathroom and basement often. Because one of the key factors to mold growth is wetness and moisture, clean sinks, faucets, showers, toilets, etc. regularly. Inspect your basement and any other space that is dark and dank. Use dehumidifiers to eliminate moisture.
• Install a HEPA filter: A HEPA filter will greatly reduce the amount of mold in the air.
Reactions or allergies to mold may take some time to subside, but taking preventative measures as soon as possible is important. If you can clearly see mold growing in your home or smell it, hire a home inspector and/or air quality inspector to ease your concerns and provide professional information. Again, any mold removal should be conducted by a professional. Once mold has been removed and precautions are taken to keep it from recurring, mold should be permanently out of your way!
SOME GREAT MOLD DETECTORS/MONITORS FOR PERSONAL USE:
My Mold Detective MMD103 Mold Test Kit, 3-Room Kit
PROS
Air sampling pump is reusable
3-day turnaround for lab results
Extensive report
CONS
Lab testing fee is $39 per sample
No consultation included (helpline provided, though)
DIY Mold Test Kit
PROS
Lab fees are included
Includes expert consultation
Can sample multiple areas
Customer service available
CONS
Not suitable for air testing
Must pay shipping for lab tests
Airthings House Kit, Radon & Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System, Multi-Room
PROS
Provides alert for mold-conducive conditions
Access air quality data in the app
Also monitors temperature, radon levels, and more
CONS
Doesn’t test for the presence of mold
Pricier than other options