Unexplained health problems in a home can be caused by the growth of mold. In moist climates or after flooding, it's important to test a house for mold growth. Home air testing kits are unreliable, but a visual inspection of typical problem areas is usually sufficient to detect mold. Small colonies of mold can be removed with just bleach and water.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives on damp surfaces in your home. Mold spores occur naturally, but it normally doesn't present a health risk in a home unless there is a moisture issue, such as a leaky roof or flooding. If walls aren't thoroughly dried, mold colonies can form and quickly spread spores throughout your house. While some people have a mold allergy, most mold spores are harmless. An exception is rare toxigenic molds such as Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as toxic black mold, which can cause bronchial and neurologic issues.

Finding Mold Growth

In many cases, you'll be able to see or smell a large infestation of mold. If you find visible mold in your home, the Centers for Disease Control suggests testing isn't necessary to determine the strain of mold as long as the mold is removed. However, mold can hide behind wallpaper or paneling, within walls or under flooring. Unexplained allergies or illness may indicate hidden mold. Home air testing kits are available for mold, but Consumer Reports testing in 2006 found these kits are often not reliable. A better way to detect mold is a visual inspection of potential growth areas. Remember that mold requires moisture to survive: begin by identifying areas of water damage. Peel back paneling in bathrooms and basements to look for colonies. Shine a bright flashlight parallel to the wall surface to identify lighter colored molds. Remove a sample of drywall from an inconspicuous location and check for mold growth on the drywall and insulation. You can also rent a bore inspector, a long, flexible lens attached to a video display, to visually inspect walls by only drilling a small hole. Check the attic for mold growing near roof leaks or in wet cardboard boxes. If you still suspect a mold infestation, contact a certified mold inspection service. Unlike home kits, professional testing equipment measures captured spores, rather than relying on the growth of spores, and is more accurate.

Removing Mold

Small areas of mold growth (less than 10 square feet) can be removed with a solution of one part household bleach to four parts water. Wear rubber gloves and eye and lung protection and scrape or scrub visible mold from the infested surface. Let the bleach solution stand on the area for 15 minutes, then rinse it with clean water. Use fans to dry the surface completely to discourage further growth. Larger areas should be professionally treated.

Source:

EPA.gov: Mold and Indoor Air Quality

Consumer Reports: Mold Remediation and Testing

CDC.gov: Mold - General Information

Resource:

Inspectapedia: How to Find Mold in Buildings