Sometimes, mold outbreaks are apparent and easy to spot. In other cases, however, mold can hide in hard-to-see places, such as beneath drywall or in air conditioners, where it goes undetected and wreaks all sorts of havoc. Because mold can cause harm to both your home and your health, it’s important to stop an outbreak as soon as possible. To spot and resolve any potential growths, keep an eye out for these common signs that you have mold in your home.
Musty Scents
One of the more noticeable symptoms of a mold outbreak is the distinct smell that will often float around your home. In most cases, mold gives off a musty, damp smell as the fungus grows and spreads. However, the smell of mold can vary, depending on the type of mold, the surface it grows on, and where it gets its moisture. As such, you shouldn’t rely on your nose alone when it comes to sniffing out a mold outbreak in your home.
Allergy Flare-Ups
Another common sign that you have mold in your home is if your allergies start flaring up. Inhaled mold spores can often trigger an immune response. As a result, the residents in your home may start to experience allergy symptoms, such as skin irritation, watery eyes, nasal congestion, or chest tightness. In addition, mold can also worsen asthma symptoms and cause trouble breathing. If you or anyone else in your home experiences such symptoms that seem to alleviate when they aren’t inside, consider having a professional check your home for mold. An undetected outbreak could be the cause of your allergies.
Serious Health Concerns
In some cases, the impact mold has on one’s health is a lot more harmful than a runny nose and some itchiness. Depending on the type of mold growing in your space and your degree of sensitivity, mold can have serious negative health effects. For example, certain types of toxic mold can cause intense migraines, internal organ damage, cancer, and, in extreme cases, death. Due to the severity of these health concerns, it is imperative to address any potential mold outbreaks immediately.
Your Walls Have Bubbles
If you’re wondering why bubbles have begun to form on your home’s walls, mold could be the answer. When mold forms behind painted walls, bubbles can begin to form. In such an instance, you will need to scrape off the paint, thoroughly clean the surface with bleach to kill the mold, wait for the surface to dry completely, and then patch it up before repainting.
