Recognizing When Mold Turns Into an Emergency: Signs of Mold Exposure

Mold Exposure and person is cleaning it

Dampness and lack of ventilation in your home or commercial residence create the perfect environment for mold growth and development. Not only is mold off-putting to look at, but it can also create a host of issues. These mold-related issues can affect the health of the residents on your property and can spiral into structural damage if left unchecked.

Any sign of mold should be treated with urgency, but recognizing when mold turns into an emergency helps prevent future problems down the line for property owners and families. 

What is Mold? 

Mold is an organism that belongs to the fungi family. Mold can grow outdoors and indoors where moisture and lack of ventilation are present. Mold has an important role in the outdoors where it breaks down plant and animal matter. Indoor mold is problematic because it can cause respiratory complications such as asthma, allergic reactions, and infections.

Types of Mold

Mold has several different types and can grow alongside each other. Being able to tell the different types of mold from each other is often difficult without proper testing. No matter what though, mold can be removed. 

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is a common indoor mold that can grow in cold or warm locations. This type of mold is brown, green, or black and can be found on wood, carpets, fabrics, and in heating and cooling ducts.

Penicillium

Penicillium is another common indoor mold that is either blue, green, or yellow. Penicillium can be found under carpets, basements, and insulation, especially in areas affected by water damage. 

Aspergillus

Another common indoor mold is aspergillus. Aspergillus thrives in fabrics, walls, attics, basements, and on dry food items. This mold can be seen as green, white, or gray with dark spots and has a powdery look. 

Alternaria

Alternaria is a fuzzy mold that’s white with black spots and is less likely to be found indoors than the previous molds. If this mold does grow inside, it can be found to grow on fabrics, wallpaper, in bathrooms and kitchens, and near air conditioners and windows. 

Aureobasidium 

Another uncommon indoor mold is aureobasidium. Aureobasidium is pink with black spots and can be found on wood, walls, caulking, and grout. 

Stachybotrys chartarum

Commonly known as “black mold,” stachybotrys chartarum is less likely to be found indoors. Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black color and grows on things with a high cellulose content. This mold can be found on paper, fiberboard, and drywall. 

Trichoderma

The last mold that is less commonly found indoors is trichoderma. Trichoderma starts by looking creamy white until it releases spores, at that point it turns green. Trichoderma can be found on wood, windows, and in bathrooms and kitchens. 

Symptoms of Mold Exposure 

Sometimes mold exposure may cause health problems. Common symptoms include:  

  • Runny nose and congestion
  • Eye irritation
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Skin rash
  • Headaches
  • Lung irritation
  • Wheezing 

Individuals Susceptible to Mold

While mold can affect a lot of people, some people are more susceptible than others:

People Allergic to Mold

Those with mold allergies may experience severe reactions.

People with Chronic Diseases

People with asthma and chronic respiratory diseases can develop symptoms of mold poisoning, even with minimal exposure.

People with Suppressed Immune Systems

Individuals who have just overcome a sickness, have a history of smoking or alcohol abuse and have poor nutrition have a higher risk than others to develop a mold infection due to a suppressed or compromised immune system.

How to Know if Mold Is In Your House

Mold grows in silence, but it makes its presence known in other ways. Here are some signs of mold growth you can keep an eye—and a nose—out for:

  • Allergy or flu-like symptoms while inside the property but not outside
  • Water damage that stems from a recent flood or plumbing leak
  • History of mold 
  • A musty or damp smell inside the property

Treatment for Mold Exposure

Individuals in need of treatment due to mold exposure can seek out these medications to alleviate symptoms. Remember to talk to your doctor before starting treatment.

  • Antihistamine
  • Oral decongestants 
  • Nasal corticosteroids
  • Montelukast

The Significance of Rapid Mold Remediation

Rapid mold remediation by a professional company will help mitigate the risks of suffering health issues for you and the residents who may have been affected. Seeking out mold remediation services will protect your family and your property.

When to See a Doctor

If these symptoms start to manifest, seeing a primary care doctor or dermatologist will help determine the cause and next steps. 

  • A rash covers your entire body
  • Fever
  • If the rash is spreading rapidly 
  • Your rash blisters 
  • Your rash is painful
  • Your rash becomes infected

Call the Professionals at PureDry Restoration

When signs of mold exposure start to develop in your Seattle area home, call PureDry Restoration at (425) 374-0027. PureDry Restoration offers highly-rated mold remediation services to protect you and your property.

PureDry works with the following insurance companies.

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