Household mold is a concern that many homeowners in Denver and across the country share. Mold can grow deep within the walls or ceilings of your home, often obscured by furniture or otherwise invisible. By the time you do notice the mold, it may have spread to a significant degree. Unfortunately, while household mold is an extremely common problem, it can also become a health hazard if it’s not addressed by Denver mold removal experts promptly. 

How much do you know about household mold? Let’s dive into the five most frequently asked questions about household mold to broaden your knowledge and help you better protect your home. 

What is Mold?

So, first off, let’s define what mold is. Molds are organisms that consume nutrients from organic materials and generally appear powdery or fuzzy. Minuscule spores are created by molds to reproduce. These spores circulate throughout the air to eventually land on a surface with some moisture. The mold spores will then consume whatever material they have landed on to grow. Mold can grow on anything from paper to carpet to wood and food, so long as moisture is present. High amounts of moisture and humidity inside a home will increase the amount of mold growth that takes place. While mold growth can’t be fully eliminated in any indoor place, it can be kept to a minimum by keeping moisture to a minimum.

What Are The Types of Mold Exposure?

There are multiple ways in which you can be exposed to mold, including:

• Inhalation

You may inhale mold spores through the nose. This can trigger allergic reactions as the spores reach the lungs. In people with asthma, mold inhalation can also cause an asthma attack. 

• Ingestion

Mold exposure can also occur if you unknowingly ingest moldy food.

• Physical contact

If your skin comes into contact with mold, you may experience a rash in the area where the mold contact occurred. This typically only occurs in those who commonly have allergies. 

What Are The Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

Not all instances of mold exposure will lead to physical symptoms. However, mold exposure can cause symptoms that are similar to other allergies, including:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Red, itchy, or runny eyes
• Rash on the skin
• Headache 

How Can I Identify Household Mold?

There are many signs of household mold that you can look out for, including:

Discolored Walls

Mold can take on all different colors and textures. Oddly-colored parts of your wall could be caused by mold growth. If you notice that they’re a strange spot or cluster on your walls, it’s worth taking a closer look. It may be immediately identifiable as mold, or you may need to contact Denver mold specialists for an expert opinion. 

Musty Smell

Even after cleaning, if you notice a musty smell coming from anything in your home, mold could be causing the smell. After washing the curtains and the carpet, as well as taking out the trash, and the smell persists, you may be facing a household mold problem. 

Odd Smells From The AC or Heater

If you notice an odor when your HVAC system is running, mold could be the culprit. Air conditioners create an optimal environment for mold growth due to the high moisture level. You can avoid mold growth in your HVAC system with regular maintenance. 

Peeling Wallpaper

If there is moisture in your wallpapered walls, the wallpaper may start to peel. This is a big sign that mold development is likely and that you should try to reduce the excess moisture in your walls. 

Why Does Household Mold Develop?

For mold to grow, mold spores, a source of organic matter for food, oxygen, moisture, and darkness need to be present. Mold can start to grow in one to two days in an optimal environment. 

Ultimately, moisture and humidity are the main reasons why household mold develops. Anything from a leaking pipe to wet clothes drying on a rack could increase the humidity in your home enough for mold to grow. 

If you suspect that your home has a household mold problem, contact Denver Restoration today. Our expert team can identify and resolve the problem to restore the comfort of your home.