Monday, January 2, 2012

Debating Mold Testing

Mold is everywhere, believe it or not. No matter how thoroughly you clean your home the mold will still remain. The only effective way to tell if mold is a problem in your home is to have it thoroughly tested.

Despite the fact that you cannot see mold, it is everywhere and it can cause illness and allergies. Mold consists of little colonies of microscopic colonies. In fact, mold is the reason why food rots over time.

Many people are unaware that mold is central in the process of biodegradation, during which organic material is broken down into useful natural elements. Many people don’t realize that mold is crucial in the production of some food, medicine, and drinks. Mold can be useful, but this does not mean that we should forget how dangerous it can be.

Molds mostly thrive on dead organic matter in nature. You have probably seen some kind of mold growing on your food at home, particularly decaying fruits and vegetables. Damp, dark areas are also likely habitats for mold to grow, so your bathroom, kitchen, basement and so on are all at risk.

In general, black molds, bathroom molds, ceiling molds, wall molds, HVAC vent molds and molds in dust are common in the home. Thankfully, not all varieties of mold are toxic. The easiest and most common method to stop the growth of molds is to reduce moisture and remove the source of moisture, such as a leaky vent or faucet.

Dust particles carry mold spores all over your home. If you sneeze a lot and have dry, itchy eyes, you are in the presence of mold. Chronic coughing, headaches, rashes, difficulty in breathing, sinus problems, and nasal blockage are also common indicators of mold.

Fungal mold affects children the most, particularly Penicillium mold. One of the side effects of exposure in children is the onset of asthma and other respiratory problems. If your child sneezes very often for no apparent reason they might be suffering from exposure to Penicillium.

Adults can also be affected if they are exposed to large quantities of mold. When mold is left to grow it can produce harmful mycotoxins. In extreme cases, toxic mold can lead to neurological damage or even death.

Mold sensitivity differs from person to person. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security just because you are not being affected - your family might still be at risk. Take care to protect people in your family who already have lung complaints, as they are more susceptible to illness.

If you suspect that there is a mold problem in your home, you can do a simple mold test by yourself. Clean your home thoroughly, fix existing leaks, and check for damp, warm areas. If the situation is worse than you thought, purchase and use a mold testing kit or hire house cleaners.


Get to know the reasons why mold testing in your home is very essential. Hit this link and you'll be enlightened.