Mold thrives in hidden, damp places like your crawl space, basement, and attic. Untreated indoor mold growth causes severe health issues. The earliest signs of mold poisoning often mimic allergies or the common cold, which means many people don’t realize they are sick until their symptoms are impossible to ignore.
How does mold proliferate, why can it be dangerous, and what should you do if you suspect a mold problem threatens your family’s health?
What Causes Mold Growth?
Mold spores are always present in the air, but they need moisture to grow and spread. Leaks, standing water, condensation, and high humidity levels all create the perfect environment for a mold outbreak in areas like these:
- Crawl spaces
- Basements
- Behind walls or under flooring
- Attics and rooflines
- Near leaky pipes or around HVAC systems
Never Ignore Mold Growth in Your Home
Not all molds are toxic, but many produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins – chemical substances that can pose a risk to human health.
People who are especially vulnerable to mold poisoning include:
- Children and older adults
- People with asthma or respiratory conditions
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Anyone with mold allergies
Long-term exposure to indoor mold can worsen chronic health issues, degrade your indoor air quality, and significantly decrease your home’s livability.
Early Signs of Mold Poisoning
Mold poisoning symptoms often start small and become more intense with continued exposure. Here are some of the first warning signs to watch for:
- Frequent coughing or sneezing that doesn’t improve
- Watery, itchy eyes or skin irritation
- Sinus congestion or persistent headaches
- Fatigue or trouble concentrating
- Worsening asthma symptoms
- Dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath in severe cases
If your symptoms improve when you leave the house and worsen when you return, you should immediately suspect your home as your source of exposure.
What to Do if You Suspect Mold in Your Home
Never try to remove significant mold growth on your own – especially if it’s in your crawl space, HVAC system, or behind walls. Disturbing mold without wearing PPE or using the appropriate containment techniques can release more spores into the air, making the problem worse.
Here’s what you should do instead.
- Don’t ignore the signs: If you see visible mold growth or smell a persistent musty odor, take it seriously.
- Avoid disturbing the area: Leave the mold untouched to prevent it from spreading.
- Call a professional: A trained mold remediation team can inspect your home, test your air quality if needed, and safely remove the mold.
- Address the root cause: Mold always indicates a moisture problem. You’ll allow it to return if you don’t fix the underlying issue – such as inadequate drainage, high humidity, or lack of encapsulation.
Complete Mold Solutions
At Crawl Space Ninja, we’ll remove your mold problem and address the source of the moisture that causes it. Whether your home needs crawl space encapsulation, waterproofing, insulation, or humidity control, we’ll create a customized solution that protects your home and your health.
Our trained team provides safe, effective mold remediation and prevention strategies, so you don’t have to live with uncertainty – or mold-related illnesses. The first signs of mold poisoning may be mild, but ignoring them can lead to long-term health effects and costly structural damage. If you think mold and mildew may be growing in your home, call us today to schedule a professional assessment and let us help you reclaim a healthier, safer home.