How Mold in Your Home Impacts You

What Is Mold?

Molds are fungi that help break down dead matter in the natural environment. They spread with spores that float through the air. These spores are so small they can’t be seen, which allows mold to travel virtually anywhere. There are many different types of mold and all of them require moisture to grow.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Most of the time, mold isn’t a threat. But if it starts growing inside your home, it can cause health problems for you and your family. Being exposed commonly results in allergies that can trigger a runny or stuffy nose, red or itchy eyes, sneezing and skin rash. Those who are not allergic may still experience eye, nose, throat or skin irritation.

Inhaling mold can also lead to respiratory issues that reduce your readiness as a Warfighter and result in lost duty days. It can irritate your lungs, which can cause asthma to develop or worsen. Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. Mold exposure is also associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an immune disorder that causes lung inflammation.

How Do I Know If Mold Is in My Home?

Mold can only grow on damp or wet areas. In your home, moisture is often found in bathrooms, basements or attics. It can also be a result of flooding or a leak in your roof, window or pipe. Areas that are warm, humid and not well-ventilated are especially likely to have mold growth.

Mold signs include stains, discoloration and bubbling or cracking of surfaces in your home. You should also pay attention to smell, as sometimes mold may be growing where you can’t see it. If mold is present, you’ll likely notice a musty odor.

Check the following places for potential mold growth:

Ceilings

Walls

Carpet and wooden floors

Furniture

What Do I Do If I Find Mold?

Mold in your home should be removed as soon as possible. This will require cleaning and fixing the problem that caused it to form in the first place. To remove mold from hard surfaces, you can use a household cleaner or soapy water. If using a bleach solution, be sure to follow labeled instructions and take appropriate precautions, like opening windows and wearing protective equipment. Scrub the affected spot with a stiff brush and then let it fully dry. Learn more about mold clean-up.

What Can I Do to Prevent Mold?

Limiting condensation and moisture in your home is the best way to prevent mold growth. Use these tips to reduce dampness indoors:

Immediately dry spots where water has spilled or leaked indoors.

Regularly check your roof, walls and plumbing for leaks and promptly fix any you find.

Always use exhaust fans or open a window while showering, cooking or washing dishes.

Install a dehumidifier, air conditioner or fan in rooms with high humidity.

Wipe off moisture that has formed on windows, walls or pipes.

Choose products that fight mold, such as bathroom cleaners and paint additives.

Avoid placing carpet and padded furniture in places with high levels of moisture.

Routinely clean outdoor gutters, air conditioner drip pans and drain lines.