Mold is ubiquitous, present in the air and in virtually every home as spores if not in visible colonies. If large enough, its presence can cause serious health problems since it can release dangerous toxins and allergens.
Mold toxicity can result in negative symptoms characteristic of some mental illnesses. It is important to keep an eye out for signs that you need mold testing Portland Oregon so that the mold can be remediated before the problem worsens.
- Unpleasant Odors
Mold often emits a musty odor. It may be reminiscent of the smell of old socks or books or rotting wood. It has also been described as being a stale or earthy scent. The fungus produces chemicals as it propagates that cause the smell.
- Water Stains and Discoloration
These are not caused by the mold itself. Rather, they are indicative of a potential promoter of mold growth. Specifically, they are signs you may have sprung a leak somewhere. Mold grows best in moist, dark environments, so the presence of enough water to create visible changes is enough to create a habitat ideal for mold expansion. The same applies to areas like windows where a lot of condensation tends to accumulate. A humidifier can help dry out these spots and ward off an explosion in mold growth.
- Physical Symptoms
If you begin experiencing strange physical symptoms you normally do not, you may want to check your house for mold. This includes persistent cough, difficulty breathing, a scratchy throat, watery, irritated eyes and itchy skin. While these may all be caused by other factors such as seasonal changes in the environment, if you are not normally afflicted by them and see no other obvious reason for their sudden onslaught, mold may be the culprit.
Mold is probably present in your home regardless of whether you can see it or not. In the microscopic amounts in which it is usually present, it is not an issue. However, in large enough amounts it can cause serious problems and needs to be dealt with.