Given Colorado’s semi-arid climate, it might seem counterintuitive to have mold and mildew problems. But basements and other areas of the home can still develop mold and mildew. Often you can identify it by its musty smell, but sometimes it might be there without you even knowing about it.
Mold in the home is unsafe—and not just because it destroys wood, wallpaper, grout, and other surfaces. Mold spores can become airborne, leading to a multitude of different health problems. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold is linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing and wheezing in people who are otherwise healthy.
What Exactly Is Black Mold?
Black mold refers to the greenish-black mold that grows on damp surfaces. Sometimes the mold is more of a blue or gray color, but this is still what scientists refer to as Stachybotrys. This variety of mold is feared—and with good reason. If it’s growing unchecked in your home, it can make your entire family sick.
Testing for Mold in Your Home
When you call in the professionals to inspect a suspected mold problem in your home, they’ll take samples from the air, the surface you believe is affected by mold, and the surrounding dust. Sending these samples to a third-party lab will identify the types of mold in these areas and the concentration level of the mold.
This can be a time-consuming and costly procedure. The good news is that you can test for mold in your own home and get the results quickly—and at quite a bit of financial savings.
The areas that most commonly develop mold growth include the following:
- Areas around plumbing lines (be sure to check behind the drywall as well)
- Below sink plumbing
- In the wall around windows that might be leaking
- In closets
- Underneath carpet in damp areas or in an area that was flooded at one time
- Behind the refrigerator
- Around the coils of HVAC air handlers or ductwork
- Between furniture and exterior walls, especially in basements
If you think you could have mold in any of these areas, purchase a mold test kit. You can purchase these at the local hardware store or online. But be sure to note the type of test kit you are getting; there are several different options available. Options may include:
- Kits that tell you whether there is mold on the surface and what kind of mold it is
- Kits that tell you there is mold in the air but don’t tell you what kind of mold
- Kits that include fees for some kind of laboratory testing in the purchase price
Be sure to use protective gear such as long sleeves and pants, gloves, goggles, and an N95 respirator before you start cutting into drywall or removing baseboards.
If your kit tests positive for mold, it’s usually a good idea to hire a professional to remove the mold safely and effectively. For black mold testing and abatement in Gunnison, call SC Environmental. We can make sure your home is safe and your family stays healthy. Call today!