What Should You Do When You Find Indoor Mold?

Indoor mold is a common problem for many homes and buildings. Homeowners and those who own or manage property spend hundreds and thousands of dollars in mold remediation to remove mold and prevent contamination.

Molds grow indoors in areas where there is excessive moisture and high humidity. Storm surges, water leaks from the roof, walls, floors and broken water pipes, poor ventilation and many other activities can cause moisture problems that can lead to indoor mold growth. 

So what should you do when you find mold growing inside your home or building? 

Don’t panic!

Yes, the first thing to do is not panic. We’ve heard a lot of alarming information in the news and internet  about actual or potential problems and worrying health risks with regards to mold, particularly toxic mold or black mold. So naturally, discovering mold inside your home can create feelings  of fear, panic and confusion. However, the presence of mold does not necessarily mean that it is toxic or poisonous. All mold has the potential to produce toxins, but at the same time not all are dangerous. What you want to prevent is for the amount of mold spores in the air to reach high levels as long term exposure to excessive amounts can lead to adverse health effects. That is why when you see mold growing indoors, you have to take action quickly to remove it and prevent it from becoming a major problem.

Size it up

Examine it to see if what you suspect is mold. Any mold that is visible to the eye can come in many colors, like blue green, bluish, yellowish, greyish, black, white or other shades of these colors.Discoloration, spotting on surfaces and irregular stains may be an indication of mold growth. Peeling, curling or any damage to surfaces can also be a sign that the material or area has been infested by the mold.

Estimate or measure the area that the mold is covering. If the total area affected is less than 10 square feet, then you have as small mold problem. If the area is more than10 square feet, it is considered a large mold problem but may be handled with care. And, if the area is covering  more than 100 square feet, then you have a major contamination problem that is large enough to be harmful.

Don’t touch!

If you are not sure if it is mold, then do not touch it.  If you have a small mold problem but do not know how to properly handle mold, then do not attempt to disturb the affected areas or materials in any way. Ask the help of a mold professional if this is the case. If you are very confident that you can handle the cleanup of a relatively small area of mold, then make sure that you use personal protective equipment to avoid exposing yourself to spores. Also make sure that you take steps to prevent mold spores from scattering and spreading to other areas. However, if mold covers more than 10 square feet, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified mold specialist without delay.

Once air quality is restored to normal levels, you need to monitor for any more mold that may grow back in the same areas or sprout up in other areas of the home or building. Always be on the lookout for any suspicious moldy odors,  for water stains and discoloration on the walls, floors and ceiling, and any structural damage as these may be danger signs that point to a potential indoor mold problem.