The Importance of Getting Mold Testing in Your Home

Mold is everywhere. Many kinds of mold are benign: they make some of our most important medicines and have a hand in creating some of our favorite foods. However, some molds are, simply put, just bad news, and you don’t want them darkening your door. Since your home is not just an investment but a place where you live and raise your family, you want it to be a safe and healthy environment. If you think you might have a mold problem, then set your mind at ease by calling a professional and having a mold test done in your home. Even so, you might ask, “What is so important about getting a mold test?”

Your Health

The health of your home’s occupants can be affected by mold, whether that means you, your family, or your pets. Molds can create allergic reactions via allergens, which can be toxic. If you or someone in your family is highly sensitive to mold, merely inhaling mold spores can cause a dangerous reaction, which can range from fevers to rashes to asthma attacks. Prolonged exposure to mold can irritate sensitive areas like the eyes, lungs, skin, and throat—and that’s for everybody, not just the highly allergic. As allergic reactions to mold are common, it’s easy to see how important it is to know if there’s a mold problem in your home.

Your House

While your health and your family’s well-being are paramount, you need to protect your house as well. The Federal Emergency Management Agency states that mold growth can occur in less than 24 hours in the right conditions. That means if you have a high level of moisture or water in your home, the clock is ticking. The removal of mold can be a time-consuming process, and mold in certain places—like behind walls—can be a difficult and costly removal process if left untreated for too long. If you think your home might be a breeding ground for mold growth, then call a water damage and mold remediation specialist right away. Keep reading if you’re wondering where mold is likely to begin breeding.

Common Mold Sources

As you might guess, the most common areas a home might harbor mold are damp or have access to water. Places such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are likely areas of mold growth. Some places mold catches on might surprise you, though, like the areas where you water plants or a room with a humidifier. Keep an eye on these types of areas for potential issues.

You should know before getting your home tested for mold that there are no set state or federal laws limiting how much mold you can be exposed to in your home. A mold test can identify mold particles and spores, but it will not indicate just how much mold exposure would be considered unhealthy. However, mold can wreak havoc on a home, so don’t delay in getting testing done should you think mold might be a problem. Remember: It’s the mold you see too late that is the most dangerous kind.