Mold in the home and how it can affect health

Table Of Content

• How can I reduce my risk of developing a black mold allergy?
• Chase Security Center
• Clean Up After Mold Removal
• Termite Damage vs. Wood Rot: How To Know What’s Eating Your Home
• Mix a Cleaning Solution
• Bathroom Tips
• You Might Want To Reconsider Displaying Prized Possessions In Your Bathroom
• How Often to Check For Mold and Remove It

The same concept applies to any wall covering or paint color. No matter what type of molding, it can add dimension and showcase an attention to detail in any space. Use it to create contrast with a bright pop of color, or opt for a monochromatic palette and subtly infuse a space with sophistication. No matter what room in your home, there are endless possibilities with something sure to suit your space. From traditional applications to more modern and creative designs, here are 40 wall molding ideas that'll instantly dress up any room in your home. Luckily, there are many other spots in the house where you can properly display your prized possessions.

How can I reduce my risk of developing a black mold allergy?

After your first exposure, the mast cells are now sensitive to black mold allergens. During flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks.

Chase Security Center

Apply the solution using a microfiber cloth and a spray bottle, but try not to saturate the surface as you do. If you’re cleaning mold from plaster, you will need to use a more gentle application. Stick to dish soap and water and apply using a sponge of microfiber cloth. Don’t scrub too hard, but work in the solution as best you can.

Clean Up After Mold Removal

Kouri Richins update: Utah mom charged with killing husband faces lawsuit from buyers of house with mold - NBC News

Kouri Richins update: Utah mom charged with killing husband faces lawsuit from buyers of house with mold.

Posted: Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

When a house feels humid or displays visible condensation on windows, walls, or other surfaces, it’s a signal that conditions are ripe for mold infestation. If there is already mold growing in your home, it's important to clean up the mold and fix the problem causing dampness. If you clean up the mold but don't fix the problem, the mold will most likely return. Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

A person with a sensitivity or allergy to any mold-related particles may react to the mold. Spores can enter the home either through the air or by attaching to objects or people. There are many different types, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Mix a Cleaning Solution

Basements are an additional place where mold spores love to settle. The natural dampness of a subterranean space can prove an ideal environment for mold. One option is to run a dehumidifier in those areas of the basement most prone to moisture. You may be surprised by how much moisture a dehumidifier can remove from the air. After this, you can potentially remove the mold with a simple combination of dish soap and water.

Further, mold could develop in the pages of a book or behind a photograph in a frame. This would be harmful to breathe in and could negatively impact your health. While there are ways to prevent mold from entering your home, err on the side of caution and find a better spot for these items. It’s important to address myths some people may have about black mold. One common rumor is that black mold releases toxic compounds called mycotoxins that cause health issues, like memory loss, headaches, and infant pulmonary hemorrhage.

For those wondering whether there might be mold growing somewhere in their home, there are a few major signs to be aware of. You don’t want the wood to stay wet for long, which could damage the finish, so work quickly and wipe dry any remaining moisture. To test if the surface is covered with mildew or just dirt, dab the stain with a cotton swab dipped in household chlorine bleach.

Toxic mold forces Colorado Springs family to move out of their house for months - FOX21News.com

Toxic mold forces Colorado Springs family to move out of their house for months.

Posted: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 05:17:34 GMT [source]

Areas in homes that are commonly vulnerable to moisture issues include basements, bathrooms, kitchens, crawl spaces, attics, and the areas around windows or door frames. The moisture accumulation might stem from poor ventilation, leaking roofs or pipes, or groundwater seepage, or it might be due to external factors, such as being in a high rainfall zone. Homes that have been affected by flooding or have unresolved water damage can also become mold hot spots.

The root cause of mold is best tackled directly, which could mean improving ventilation, fixing leaks, or using dehumidifiers. One of the earliest indicators of contamination is the appearance of growth spots on air conditioner filters. These filters, which are designed to trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, can get clogged with mold spores. Over time, when conditions are right, these trapped spores can begin to grow directly on the filter, appearing as dark, irregular patches. If these signs are observed, mold could potentially be proliferating in other parts of the HVAC system, such as in the drip pans, coils, or within the ducts themselves. Consequently, it’s essential not only to replace the contaminated filter but to also have a comprehensive inspection and cleaning of the entire HVAC system.

There’s no proof that mold toxins cause diseases in people, so you don’t need to detox after mold exposure. The best way to feel better if you have black mold allergy symptoms is to get out of the moldy environment and avoid any continued exposure. You can also take prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help relieve your symptoms.

A top mold removal company is able to not only remove mold to address the existing growth, but it can also restore areas that have been damaged. These professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to identify the extent of the mold, remove contaminated materials, and ensure that the living spaces are once again safe. They will also take measures to ensure that mold does not regrow, such as fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas. On average, mold remediation costs around $2,254, but this will depend on the size of the home, the extent of the problem, and the type of mold, among other factors.

Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored. Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.