Your home is likely where you spend the majority of your time and feel the most at ease. However, lately, you've sensed that something might be amiss. Each time you return home, you experience physical symptoms you've never encountered before—perhaps a persistent cough, a runny nose, or a headache that you initially attributed to stress but now doubt. Moreover, you've noticed that these symptoms don't manifest anywhere else.
You might have heard tales about mold exposure causing symptoms akin to what you're experiencing, and you're probably familiar with what mold looks like. After an extensive search, you've found no visible signs of mold in your home, and there's no overt musty smell either. Although your home could benefit from a fresher scent, it's hardly something that would make anyone hold their nose.
Furthermore, you believe you know your home's history inside out and are confident that there have been no instances of water damage or ongoing leaks that could facilitate mold growth—at least, not to your knowledge. The reality is, mold can thrive in a newer property just as easily as in an older one. If your home has some years behind it and a few prior owners, there may have been mold-related issues you're unaware of.
Nevertheless, you can't help but wonder: Could mold still be the underlying issue? Absolutely.
Mold has a knack for lurking in less visible places—inside your walls, within your attic, beneath your floors, and even within your HVAC system and ductwork. Mold spores exist all around us, in the soil, the air we breathe, and even the food we consume. Generally, they pose no problem. However, when these spores land in an ideal environment, one with moisture and organic materials, they take root. Importantly, this environment doesn't necessarily have to be the site of prior water damage; it just needs to be a surface exposed to sufficient humidity.
Nevertheless, mold's inconspicuous nature doesn't diminish its potential harm. If you notice less obvious signs of mold, such as areas of high humidity in your home, a wooden floor buckling in various spots, or peeling wallpaper, we strongly recommend consulting a professional mold inspection company to uncover the root of the issue.
This advice holds particularly true if you're experiencing any of the physical symptoms we discussed earlier, even if you're the only one in your household affected. Unfortunately, some individuals are more sensitive to mold exposure, and in severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a debilitating condition associated with chronic fatigue, memory issues, mood disorders, and more.
Next Steps:
Arrange for a professional mold inspection by a company that does NOT conduct remediation to avoid conflicts of interest. Inspection and remediation require distinct expertise. Certified mold inspectors employ specialized tools to detect mold-like growth, even in hard-to-reach areas. They can identify the type of mold present and assess the extent of contamination through sample collection and analysis.
If mold is detected, the next step is professional mold remediation. We strongly discourage attempting DIY mold removal, as it is hazardous and can exacerbate the problem, potentially spreading mold spores. Preventive measures may include temporarily vacating the home or isolating affected areas to prevent further contamination. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of mold growth is essential to prevent its recurrence.
In addition to professional inspection and remediation, there are immediate steps you can take to reduce mold exposure:
Maintain indoor humidity levels below 50%.
Utilize an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter to eliminate mold spores from the air.
Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces to deter mold growth.
Employ a dehumidifier in moisture-prone areas like basements and bathrooms.
For inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact Building Performance Solution!