Indoor Mold: Signs, Symptoms & Causes

Are you concerned about mold in your home or workplace? Take control today, and get the answers you need.

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Who Needs This Kit?

Renter

I complained to my landlord, but got nowhere.

Homeowner

I think I have a mold problem, but need to be sure.

Contractor

These days you can't be too careful.

Teacher

If the school won't do the testing, I will.

Caregiver

I worry about their health.

Prosumer / DIY

I have to figure out what's going on here.

Common Signs of a Mold Problem

We often say that there are three kinds of mold: The kind you can smell, the kind you can see, and the kind that you can feel. If you smell it, see it, or feel it, you probably have it. Here are some common signs you may have mold problem.

Smell It

Musty Odor

See It

Spots & Water Stains
Window Condensation
Buckled Wood or Paint
Waterbugs, Spiders
and Other Pests

Feel It

And of course, if you feel it…

Common Mold Symptoms

Mold affects everyone differently. To some people, it’s a minor nuisance. To others, it can be life threatening.

Common symptoms associated with short-term exposure include:

Symptoms associated with chronic exposure include:

Diagnoses closely related to chronic mold exposure:

Common Causes of Mold

Mold is always caused by excess moisture. Have you experienced any of the following events or circumstances?

Leaks

Floods

Clogged gutters

Poor drainage

Ponding and puddling

Missing exhaust vents

Drying clothes indoor

Broken/missing dehumidifier

Finished basements

Crawlspaces

Failed grout and caulk

Unoccupied property

And remember, according to the EPA, mold growth can occur within 24-48 hours of a water event, so it’s important that you respond quickly.

I’m pretty sure I have a mold problem. What are my options?

Get an inspection

Aside from being expensive, simply finding a qualified mold inspector can be difficult. Most inspectors are also in the remediation business—a blatant conflict of interest. Inspectors should never be remediators, especially on the same projects. Not only unethical, it’s illegal in every state where mold legislation exists. (Don’t fall for the free inspection gimmick either.) You’re looking for someone who specializes in mold inspections and doesn’t have other products or services to sell you. This helps ensure that the advice you get is unbiased and free of ulterior motives.

Do nothing

The most common obstacle to solving a mold problem is how overwhelmed people feel when looking for a solution. Of course, putting it off solves nothing, and will only make matters worse. Mold does not go away on its own, and the more it’s allowed to thrive unchecked, the greater the expense for remediation and potential for serious health issues.

Self-Testing/DIY

There is no shortage of mold testing products available. Sadly, the vast majority are what we call “junk science,” almost always coming up positive for mold—even in normal, healthy environments. They can be broken down into a few categories: 1) surface tests/swabs, 2) petri dishes/settling plates, 3) dust samples (ERMI/HERSTMI2), and 4) spore traps.

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Get the answers you need with the GOT MOLD? Test Kit.