Mold is Dangerous: 7 Tips You Need To Know

JonathanAugust 11, 201514512466 views

Mold is a word no homeowner ever wants to hear. While we all know that mold is dangerous, many people have no idea what mold actually is or why it is dangerous. In this article, we highlight 7 methods you can use when it comes to identifying potential mold in your home. If any of these yield a potentially moldy situation, take action right away to identify, remove and remedy the situation.

What is Mold?

Mold is an extremely small, dangerous element that belongs to the family of fungi. It can thrive on almost any surface especially cellulose-based objects. Mold reproduces very quickly, and it can take hold in your home in no time. Once mold takes over, your health and your wallet can be impacted. The sooner you identify and remediate, the lesser the impact.

Most people hear the word “mold” and cringe. They don’t realize that molds are a very normal part of our world. Molds are present almost everywhere. Though they may be harmful at times, molds are a big part of the ecological balance in the environment, as they play a major role in breaking down organic substances. In fact, molds are the original recyclers.

It is only when certain types of molds get into our homes that issues arise. Though there are thousands of different mold types, only certain kinds are dangerous for humans. Mold spores easily become airborne and once inhaled, they can have major impacts on our health. Health issues range from recurring allergies to severe reactions ending in death.

Molds require moisture to grow. There are many different types of moisture sources in our homes, and all of them can produce mold if they persist. From floods to roof leaks, moisture can come from almost anywhere. According to some recent studies, approximately 50 percent of homes have unknown moisture problems. And as we all know, molds thrive best in moist places. While we may notice moisture on our walls or in our bathrooms because we frequently visit these areas, mold can often hide in the areas of our homes we don’t frequently visit such as basements, attics, and behind furniture.

To a large extent, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold are present or whether they can produce toxins.

Awareness and sanitation should be observed to prevent the spread of molds in your home. Below are 7 ways you can detect mold in your home.

Here are 7 ways to detect if your home has dangerous molds:

1. Launch a search operation

One of the quickest and easiest ways to detect mold is to simply look for it. Mold leaves lots of visible clues behind. Check whether there are visible signs of mold growth in your home. Molds are characterized by their cotton-like features that may appear in colors such as gray, white, black, or green. Black mold can be especially dangerous, so be sure to watch for any signs of this type of growth.

Check for any yellowing or furry looking growth on fabrics, sheetrock, or anything else that’s potentially been exposed to moisture. Mold that is present behind paint will produce bubbles or other deformities in the paint.

2. Use your sense of smell

Remember that smell you got the time you forgot to unpack wet gym clothes from your bag or locker? Mold typically leaves behind a very distinctive scent that can be identified by most people. Whenever you smell any moldy odors, begin your search immediately. But you also have to remember that even if your home has no moldy smell it doesn’t mean that you’re free from its threat.

Be sharp-eyed because some fragrance-free molds are still toxic.

3. Is basement flooding one of your indoor problems?

Has your basement flooded in the past? If yes, then there is a large probability that your house is filled with some dangerous molds. Look around your basement for indications of extra mustiness or water damage. Even if the water was removed promptly, the walls and other basement fixtures probably retained a lot of moisture which then, in turn, breed mold. Mold can grow deep into the drywall so don’t assume that visible mold is only on the surface.

If you have experienced any type of basement or house flooding, check if there are water discolorations on walls and ceilings. Remember excess amount of moisture is the major culprit for mold exposure.

4. Windows mist over during winter

Winter season is characterized by rain and cold, and generally when it’s cold and rainy, there is an excess in moisture in the environment. This excess amount of humidity in the environment can cause fungal growth which culminates the most in damp areas. Even small amounts of condensation can invite excessive mold growth.

If your windows are foggy during winter, it is best to find out where the extra moisture is coming from, and check the area for any mold contamination. Be sure to fix the moisture source. Otherwise, your mold remediation efforts will be short lived.

5. Use home mold test kits

If you aren’t comfortable with your visual and smell tests, mold home test kits are a great option for an inexpensive second opinion. Mold testing is used to find out any dangerous threats of molds in your home. These do-it-yourself test kits are designed to track down the presence of harmful molds that can trigger serious health problems. Most of these testing devices are user-friendly and can provide reliable results. However, don’t skip a visual inspection of your home because no test is 100% accurate.

There are also mold inspection professionals that you can hire to perform full home mold inspections. These companies are trained and licensed in mold inspection. While it may cost more than a home test kit, you can rest assured that your results are accurate. If mold is detected in your home, the company can also provide guidance on the next steps you need to take to remove and remediate.

6. Molds that are hidden

Most experts agree that the most perilous mold is the one that is unseen, such as in air conditioning units, duct-work, or within walls. These molds can swell up rapidly while undetected. In most cases, hidden molds can be discerned not by eye but by the stale odor or the frequent need to clear your throat. Proper care and maintenance will typically prevent these. Be sure to schedule routine inspections and maintenance of your entire home – taking care to include all areas that may not ever be seen otherwise. Mold is tricky.

7. Ask a Certified Mold Inspector

In instances where you cannot detect if there are molds inside your house, you can ask the assistance of licensed mold inspectors. They have the proper know-how in pinpointing the exact location of undetected mold problems. These mold inspection professionals that you can hire to perform full home mold inspections are trained and licensed in mold inspection. While it may cost more than a home test kit, you can rest assured that your results are accurate. If mold is detected in your home, the company can also provide guidance on the next steps you need to take to remove and remediate.

All in all, the key to total prevention of the threats caused by mold problems is awareness of the problem. Be vigilant with your surroundings for any sign of mold growth. Early prevention is the best solution to all the hazards set off by this microorganism.

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145 comments

Esther Maher September 28, 2007 - 9:26 am

We are renting a home and we feel like there is mold in about every room. I have been trying to find out how I can tell if this is dangerous to our family's health and what I can and should do about it. In the only bathroom that has a tub/shower and the exhaust does not work and there is no window we seem to have major problems. The hot water leaks (not drips) in the tub really bad. What should we do about it?? HELP!!!!

Esther Maher September 28, 2007 - 9:30 am

We are renting a home that we feel has a mold problem. We are trying to find out if it is a dangerous nmold and what we need to do about it. There seems to be mold in almost every room of the house. In the only bathroom that has a tub/shower and no exhaust there is major problems. The hot water leaks (not drips) very badly and we just don't know what to do or who to talk to here in Corbin, KY. Please help us out in whatever way you can. Thank you so much.

Irene October 14, 2007 - 5:51 pm

I breathed in some mold... what do I do?

Kelly October 15, 2007 - 10:15 am

We live a house built in the 80's. I am pregnant, so it's harder to ignore the smell of mold. I am worried that this will be potentially harmful to my family. Would I be wasting my time with household kits? Should I call someone to come asap? thanks.

Joslyn October 23, 2007 - 7:33 pm

@Irene - Thanks for your question! I've posted a reply here: Dealing With Mold Exposure -Joslyn from the MoldBlogger Team

Joslyn October 24, 2007 - 5:22 am

Kelly! Thank you for your question. I've posted a reply here : Does Mold Affect Pregnancy? -Joslyn from the MoldBlogger Team

jen March 1, 2008 - 12:51 pm

My son's class put a pumpkin in a glass container with a thin layer of plastic wrap over the top (the plastic wrap is open on one side). This rotting pumpkin has been sitting in the classroom molding since the end of October. It just doesn't seem like a healthy thing for the children (3 to 5 year-olds. Am I over reacting or is having a rotting pumpkin in the classroom a health hazard?

Joslyn March 3, 2008 - 6:18 pm

Jen, Mold exposure, even in small doses is never good for anyone to breathe - especially easily susceptible ages like younger children. It's definitely something I would address with the teacher as a concerned parent. Are any of the children having symptoms like runny noses, frequent colds that can't seem to ease or other physical complaints? Ask the teacher what the purpose of leaving the pumpkin in the classroom is. Since the pumpkin has been there since October, I would submit that the experiment should be through. Your child's teacher should have no objections the removal of a hazardous pumpkin. Thank you for your question Jen and I hope everything goes well. Best Wishes, Joslyn from the MoldBlogger Team

Megan March 31, 2008 - 5:14 am

In my house we have put clorox on some mold that has been there for a while, there is a couple of spots on the carpet in one room and a little bit on the wall. How do I know how much mold is too much to be around?

Joslyn March 31, 2008 - 7:13 pm

Megan - Well, really any mold is too much mold to be around. Though you shouldn't worry much as long as your exposure is not repetitive for long periods of time and you are not showing any signs or symptoms of mold exposure. Most of your concerns should lie with the mold that cannot be seen. Moldy carpet especially is a miserable thing to have to contend with. Replacing the carpet will most likely be easier than trying to remove it and continually keep mold from coming back. My advice would be to have a mold expert look at the place since a do it yourself kit will obviously show up positive for mold if you have visible growth. Best case scenario, you only have topical mold growth in those few places and they're easy to remediate. Worst case, unseen mold is growing everywhere beneath your carpet and behind your walls. It would be best to have it checked out. Also, I would recommend reading the following for your own personal mold remediation use. It could prove to be useful. 5 Levels of Mold Remediation Thank you so much, and I wish you the best in your personal fight against mold! Let me know if you have any more questions, or comment back with an update =] Joslyn from the MoldBlogger team

Mara April 11, 2008 - 10:21 pm

I am a renter and have had a leak for over two weeks now. The property manager is aware of the situation, but has done nothing to fix the problem because they don't want the bill under their name.... I now see black dots around the leaks. What do I do and how do I know if this is dangerous?

Joslyn April 13, 2008 - 10:47 am

Mara, Unfortunately this situation is more common than what most people realize. Most property managers and landlords do not want to deal with situations involving leaks and mold. Try talking to him or her again and explain that the leak is causing mold growth, and if not fixed immediately, the mold will continue to grow as will the expense to fix it. The amount it will cost to fix the leak is one thing; the expense to have mold remediation done is an entirely different matter. Mold growth in homes that are not taken care of immediately, is potentially dangerous. The best thing for you to do until the leak can be fixed is to follow the procedures for level I in the following post : 5 Levels of Mold Remediation Continue to do so until the leak is fixed. You can remove the mold and limit the exposure amount, but it will continue to grow back until the actual problem and cause, the leak, is taken care of. Let me know if you have any more questions! Joslyn from the MoldBlogger team

ASHLEE August 28, 2008 - 6:55 pm

THE PAST STORM WHICH WAS FAY HAS LEFT MY HOUSE MUGGY AND A LEAK IN MY LIVIN ROOM CEILING,WATER COMING UP THROW MY CARPET IN MY BEDROOM.MY LANDLORD TOLD ME TO KEEP A FAN ON IT. AND THAT IT WOULD DRY UP AND BE ALRIGHT.ABOUT THE LICK IN THE LIVING ROOM SOME ONE WOULD COME AND LOOK AT THAT.I TOOK A PICTURE OF WHAT I THINK IS MOLD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE WHICH IS WHERE MY BEDROOM IS AND WHERE THE WATER HAD CAME IN I HAVE A TWO YEAR OLD SON,AND I HAVE ASTHMA WHAT SHOULD I DO?

mario tedana September 12, 2008 - 1:13 pm

I had an upper respetory infetion kept out of work by DR., when returned to work was as to work paper and sort out, told supv., who said i would need Dr. doucmentation. Got it it said due to my condition I should be kept from vapo or fumes, the paper had been in fire and smelled of diesl fule,it was truck fire department used foam then water, thou iI did not work mIL SUPV KEPT MYSELF AND OTHER WITH DOCDUMEENTIONIN AN INCCLOSED AREA, now co-workers who nver had asthma now do keep getting head aches, I ended up by end of week in ER abd adminited to hospital 4 day with dbl phemone, ask I stated paper smell of fuel and other oder's green mold on some edges burnt blk so could not tell if it was mold too but had mildew, could of this caused all these health syptoms?

Susan Blankenbecler September 13, 2008 - 12:35 am

We are building a house and we noticed some of the boards inside (framed walls) not yet dry walled have some mold on them some greenish, blackish and whiteish. When i wipe it with pure clorox and a rag, it cleans off, completey disappears. Is this good enough, or do I need to call in an expert. Is that expensive?

Bonnie September 23, 2008 - 10:58 am

The apartment I live in has had a sewage back up for the last 2 weeks. I can no longer flush my toilet.There is mold growing on the surface of the water in the basement. Also the ceiling collapsed in the aprtment above us and water leaks in steadily and badly when it rains. I have moisture in the walls and around the electrical outlets . The finishing nails are falling out of the ceiling and is starting to buckle. I have not been able to work due to being sick all the time. I have sarcoidosis. The landlady has been informed and refuses to repair anything. The building inspector and health unit have also been over, but they feel that this is not a health hazard. I dont know what to do. I was wondering if anyone has any advice as to get moved out ( as I have no income due to lost work) My husband does not make enough money . We have been trying to save first and last to go, but having great difficulty as my health is deteriorating. I`m frustrated tired and sick. Any advice?

Maestro J January 6, 2009 - 3:10 am

Are honey citron tea with some molds in the surface still safe to eat? Is it still safe to consume honey citron tea with some molds in the surface, after removing the surface with molds?

Maestro J January 6, 2009 - 3:17 am

Is it still safe to consume honey citron tea with molds in the surface, after the molds have been removed by scraping the surface?

OrTa January 29, 2009 - 2:55 am

Very interesting! I'm trying to research this subject and found many interesting points in this article. Thanks!!

Carroll February 20, 2009 - 5:57 pm

RE: after a winter (burst pipe)flooding episode. The tiles in the kitchen were lifted only to show a particle board floor underneath. Can mold be cleaned up after settling INTO that type of flooring?

Inger March 8, 2009 - 2:41 pm

My whole family has been experiencing the following symptons now for about 6 months..extreme fatique, dizziness, sinus infections, itchy eyes, bronchial infections, mono, anemia, breathlessness, increased food allergies, irritability..to name a few...we also have incredibly dark circles under our eyes..at the same time we are currently under a fair amount of stress..we definitely feel better when we are out of the house..but still spend so much time in the house..we have trouble waking up in the mornings as well as problems thinking clearly..i have had environmental dermal allergy testing done, and have found that i am extremely sensitive to stratybotrys, aspergillium and pencillium type molds..thes type of dermal testing suggests that I have been exposed to these molds in the last 6 months..which is why i think that we may have mold in our home which is affecting the whole family..we are arranging for mold testing to be done..I am wondering if we should start to make arrangements to move out, since we rent, and if these symptons can be permanent? Also I am having trouble with convincing my husband who also looks terrible (dark circles and tired looking), that this is a real issue...any suggestions??

sallie wagner April 22, 2009 - 11:23 pm

My staff and I were constantly getting sick when we where at work and found out we had modl in our office from a leaking AC unit. We had chroinc fatique, bloody noses, sinus problems, headaches, eye ulcers, elevated blood pressure, dry cough, coated tongue, sores in the nose and terrible muscle and joint pain. Dr, in Dallas said I had octratoxin, and aflatoxin in my system as well as tricopascenes in my system. We were all exposed to mycotoxins and all (entire staff)have differnet levels of exposures. My assistant now has MS and I am showing positive for Lupus. I have IGG defenciency (low in antibodies) and also show apositive screen for autoimmune artritis. I struggle dailey to get up and move. If I get energy and do anything physical, the next day I am down for about three days with severe muscle and joint pain. I am interested in what state you live in that yoru doctor told you about the possible mold in yoru bed? My doctors in Alabama are having a hard time connecting my exposure to the mold I had in teh foffice that I breathe in for proably three years.

Andros June 28, 2009 - 2:21 am

I am very worried about getting sick. I have bought some tulip bulbs for planting and they got green mold on them. Last night after searching on several websites I spend about an hour cleaning them with a rug. After I was done and blowed my nose I saw that there was mold dust in my nose. what do I do? I feel fine now, but what if it starts growing in me?

Janine August 18, 2009 - 12:23 pm

We just found black and white fuzzy mold in one of our bathrooms at work. The toilets do leak but the landlord refuses to fix them. Also in our office there is black mold growing up the drywall. I am afraid that there is mold inside the walls because the roof leaked for about 8 months before the land lord came out to fix it. Is there anyway I can tell if there is mold growing in my walls???

Erica September 11, 2009 - 9:59 pm

We seem to have work place mold. How do we prove it? People are involved but seems like a cover up!

sian November 1, 2009 - 5:38 pm

i've just discovered green n white furry mould growning on my 4yr old drawers under her bed,much to my horror when we pulled the 3 out it wasnt just on the backs as we 1st thought it was almost as if it had gone right through the base of the drawer,also on deeper inspection it is all on the underside of the slats of woods under her mattress.my husband has done a totally renovation to our new house which we moved in approx 3 mnths ago.my daughters bedroom was the room that needed the most work as it was full of damp,needed hackin off and joist replacing etc due to rot,anyway i am very concerned now about my daughters health as she has had numerous chest infections,tonsilitus n coughs an awful lot at night. wil it have done her health any damage??????

Bill December 5, 2009 - 9:02 pm

The first thing to do is get a Certified Mold Inspector to inspect and test for mold, otherwise it is just speculation. You could do your own Mold test, but it doesn't hold up as well as a professional Inspector. I think I have left posts here before, Is this an active post?

Monika January 18, 2010 - 11:16 am

My girlfriends house had mold in three parts of the house the kitchen, bathroom and in her room. The mold in the kitchen and bathroom where black and the mold in her room was peeling paint on the wall. They cleaned the mold up in the kitchen and bathroom. And scrapped it in her room. Is it still safe to be living there and was it safe while they were removing the mold to be in the house?? Thanks!

rachel January 20, 2010 - 7:41 am

hi, i live in a second floor flat and have mold in every room around the window area and some on walls and ceelings, i have reported this to local council and enviromental health but still awaiting them to come out to inspect. i have been washing areas down but for the last 2 weeks kept them as want the inspector to see just how bad it is.Its getting me down now as i am a bit off a clean freek and its making the place look real bad i have had to throw lots off thing away because off this. it does seem to happen more in the winter with the build up of condinstation on windows. i have had someone out before and just put a barrier on the wall in my sons bedroom but it seems its not worked.. I have re painted all over in the summer,and was just wondering will i have to re do all rooms that have been affected by this mold??? is there something people can do to stop this mold from comming thro again??? could it be harmfull??? its black in places,green in others and a bit of the white fur. What can i do to provent it comming back? I just want it to go away for good. many thanks

sarah February 20, 2010 - 5:38 pm

I am 7 months preganat, and am very concerned about the mold problem in our rented flat. Since the heavy snow in Christmas week. The corners and side of all the Ceilings in the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, all the doors frames and handles and now starting to get worse behind the leather sofa and kitchen cupboards. It is black mold, and although we are wiping it down, it only takes a day or two in this wet weather to reappear, and within a week, it is thick black. I am really really concerned about my family's health an my unborn child. As the landlords does not seem to acting fast enough. Obviously there is a leakage/condensation problem in the flat, which they are looking into. And we are using dehumidifiers, but thatsjust slowed the mold only by half a day or so. What can we do as tenants living there to reduce the mold. And what kind of a health affect is it having on me and my unborn child. Should I just move or is it safe to live with? Please help. And any further information you can provide will be great. Thank you

Gerry June 3, 2010 - 8:56 am

If your are looking for a natural way to control your mold you should look up the SAFE T Air product that is made of tea tree oil. You can find it at http://www.teatreeoilgel.com While you're there they have a couple of research reports you can download for free called "7 Silent But Serious Health Hazards Posed by Molds" and "Health Risks From Molds". They make worthwhile reading.

Kelly July 9, 2010 - 12:06 am

We are renting an apartment. In the beginning my 2 1/2 year old's bathroom and bedroom smelt awful. Finally figured out that everytime he poured water on the floor, it stunk. He hasn't been doing that for a few months now. Well now his bathroom and room are stinking again!!! It is disgusting. I have talked to the apartment manager a few months back and they replaced a part of the carpet thinking that is what smelled. Christian, my 2 1/2 year old has been coughing and wheezing about 3 weeks now. Dr said it was bronchospasms. Could this odor be mold or mildew? I don't see any visible mold. Could it be in the walls or under the tile in his bathroom? Can mold/mildew cause bronchospasms? Should I bring my apartment office back out here again? Thanks for your time and help. Kelly :-)

Tracy L August 19, 2010 - 10:26 am

I bought my first house and lived in it for four years. The first year, we didn't smell anything until the second year. I was walking through the kitchen and I smelled something moldly. Thinking the kitchen smelled, I took a mop and cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom. It wasn't the kitchen because I still smelled a moldly smell. I went into the bathroom and smelled the moldy smell stronger in there. I looked around the bathroom and located the smell. It was under my tub. There's a small storage space there. I took a flash light and looked underneath the tub. Black mold all over the floor. It came under the tub and out to the toilet to the door. I cleaned what could, but cannot get all the way under the tub where the mold is. I've tried contacting my insurance company to help me pay for water damage, but they say the condition's existing. The mold's coming up through the tub, appearing on the window, no exhaust ventilation, always moist in my bathroom. My toilet condenses during the winter. What can I do? I can't afford inspections and can't keep living here like this. I'm asthmatic and my mother lives with me. She's got a heart condition. I would love to condemn the place.

katrina meier August 20, 2010 - 12:33 am

i'm a renter. there are white dots on every piece of wooden furniture i have. i think it's mold, i've looked it up but i havent found a picture that looks like it. i don't have a leak in my apartment so i don't know where it's coming from. do you have any ides of what it could be?

Ashley Nicole September 10, 2010 - 1:22 am

Is there a way to tell if there is mold under the carpets without pulling the carpet back? I do not want to expose the mold if that's what it is. We rent this house and we have been suspecting that there is mold under the carpets on the entire second floor of the house, and the landlord hasn't done anything about it. It seems like the wood under the carpets is deteriorating because when we walk on it it sinks in, and the only thing we can think is mold. Also, in the last couple weeks, we have all been suffering from nasal issues. We are all stuffed up and none of us have ever had allergies before. I have been getting bloody noses, like every other day, and before this, the last time I got a bloody nose was about 4 years ago. Could this be a sign that it is mold? And most importantly, how can we find out for sure if it is without pulling the carpet back and exposing it?

R!A October 4, 2010 - 9:58 pm

I have just moved from a house which had a lot of mold and I am finding boxes and items that have been infected to varying degrees. Some books are a bit musty, but other things are really growing! A friend told me I should not have even brought those boxes into my new house (too late now!). What should I be doing about these things? Also, one important item that is quite moldy is a special family Bible. Is there something I can do to try to save it?

Jenna November 2, 2010 - 3:39 pm

I recently just had a baby (about 3 months old now) and during the pregnancy my fiance and I moved into a fairly old house, later on we discoverd it had black mold, and fungus in another room from a leak. all in the basement. the bathroom downstairs that we use doesnt have any air flow to it, the mirror fogs up in seconds , and the washer and dryer are right outside the bathroom door which there were previous floods . so to the point, I do not want to put my daughter under any risks, my fiance and I have been feeling very ill more and more . Do we have to give a months notice, or because there is black mold and it is a risk to our health can we move whenever we find a place, with or without notice? If I am askng the wrong person do you know anyone who will know the answer? Thanks, Jenna

Tuffy November 18, 2010 - 4:54 am

Hi there, my family are renting a house at the moment, and since we have moved in there has been mold problems. there is constint mold growing in the bathroom and we have to clean it constintly. Not only that but there is also mold growing in the two of the three bedrooms, it covered the windows all over the walls closest to the window, in the wardrobe and even on the floor. Some on the clothes in the cubboard have got mold on it and even on the bottom of my bed has mold. I have had to wipe it down 3 times in the last 3 months... We have recently contacted our landlord about the problem and asked if something can be done about it, however they are just saying that we need to keep our windows open all day everyday, try and get a heater in the house and keep it clean... Keeping the house clean and the windows open is something we do al the time. but surely it is up to the landlord to do something about it. we shouldn't have to worry about mold popping up if we dont open the window for a couple of days. i think they are just avoiding responsibility. anyone have any thoughts on the matter??? would really appreciate the feedback

Tina November 28, 2010 - 10:03 am

Hi, I have a problem with what I think is mold. Knowing that rent would be half as much at this place, I moved into this apartment with a former co-worker who proceeded to get pregnant and move in with her boyfriend. She never warned me about the building. Consistently about twice a year the bathroom ceiling tiles fall in from water build-up. Also, once there was a large black dot, which I correctly assumed to be mold. I had the handy man change the one tile, not realizing it was dangerous. The couple in the basment studio had health problems and upon tearing up the floor they found inches of black mold. Management had "n" days to fix said problem. Someone new lives there now. During the summer everything feels damp. I just recently noticed what smells like yeast rolls in my bedroom. I am a pretty clean person so have no idea what it could be. I have a couple photos from the last time the ceiling falling in. I also have vido of the lead patter (which just looks like in door rain). Also, when all of these leaks were going on, the floors were not sealed/cauked around the pipes (clawfoot bathtubs) so everytime it rained or leaked the water ran down four floors. Do I have any sort of legal recourse if I find out this place is condemned and they've knowingly been taking our money and letting us live in danger?

Tina November 28, 2010 - 10:07 am

ceiling fell in/ video/ leak pattern ***one more thing. If anything sits out, it's moldy within a day for food and three days for soiled towels) Im mostly concerned about the smell.

judy December 7, 2010 - 11:18 am

hi , im 11 years old and im living in a town house , everywhere in my washroom is filled with mold, ever since i turned 11 mold started to grow more its everywhere, im not kidding, its ALL over my washroom, i get allergies to it , i have black, and green mold in my tub, ceiling, floor, curtains, everywhere!!! what do i do?theres also some mold in the kitchen

steph January 11, 2011 - 7:50 am

i have a hole in my kitchen floor and there is water underneath from what i can see there is white mould on the boarding underneath my tiles my landlady is going to replace the floor but leave the water there is this dangerous to our health i have a 5 year old with severe asthma will this affest her health

Samuel January 11, 2011 - 6:20 pm

I suspect I have a mold problem in my apartment that might be in my ac/heating system. People keep telling me that I would know because when i leave my apartment I would feel better, right now I'm at work and Im experiencing wierd symptoms. Is what people are telling me true? Should I feel better when I'm away, or could it still affect me even when I am away from home.

Amber January 23, 2011 - 2:18 pm

Me and my husband were staying at a friends house for about a month and he had some black mold spots in his bathroom on the ceiling, easily noticeable. i was there everyday 24/7 and for 2 to 3 weeks i was feeling under the weather and just sick feeling, had stomach aches, cold like symptoms, and just icky feeling. Well i had just moved out recently and im feeling great, i was wondering if it sounds like i gotten sick from the mold i was breathing in?

kerry January 28, 2011 - 8:41 am

we have a 2 bedroom flat we have two children 4yrs and 5 month baby we have mould around all our windows in the flat, it is black and orange and a bit of green our baby had pneumonia nearly 2 months ago and our 4 year old keeps getting ill i'm asuming this has something to do with the mould is there anything i can do to prevent it coming back again and again its so frustrating.

Emily February 5, 2011 - 7:50 pm

I am 7 months pregnant, I have a 3 yr old son and a 5 yr old daughter, there toy room, bedroom, mine and my husbands bedroom, all have mold on the wooden window ledges, and corners of the wall. We are renting so obviously are landlord doesnt want anything to do with it, cause its to costly, he bought mold removing/prevention spray but it wont take it away seeings how the windows have leaks in them. What do i do?! We dont want to pay for new windows, an or a mold expert to come in, we barely have money ourselves! HELP.

JoAnn Jardio March 9, 2011 - 12:05 pm

Both myself and my apts conducted a mold test kit. I tested just the inside and sent it to a lab. They tested both the inside and the outside, and there was more mold outside-they therefore do not believe there is a problem. It is not visible to the eye. I don't know what to do at this point. I have headaches everyday, but my dr thinks it could be something else. Please advise.

sallie March 24, 2011 - 8:46 pm

The mold in my office was less then outside numbers, however my entire staff was sick and now 3 out of 5 staff members have MS. Another one is being checked out now.Is your immune system ok (IGG level)do you have diabetes or any illness besodes the headaches that you know you have had? Is your headache better once you leave your apt?

sallie March 24, 2011 - 8:47 pm

The above from Sallie was for JoAnn

Ryan Nolan March 25, 2011 - 8:53 am

Reading through the different replies most people are worried about the health issues surround mould. Mould reproduces by releases spores; it is these spores that can cause health problems. Most types of black mould are relatively safe and will not cause too much trouble to a healthy person. However, if you suffer from any respiratory problems such as asthma mould can cause considerable problems. Mould can also cause problems for young children, who have a weaker respiratory system. If you have noticed mould growing in your home you need to remove it as soon as possible. Special mould removing products are good as they actually kill the mould. There are also a number of things you can do, such as opening a window when drying clothes etc.

Stephanie April 2, 2011 - 6:13 pm

We are remodeling our bathroom and the people doing the remodel for us found mold on the studs. If there is mold on the studs in the bathroom, will it spread through the air? I closed the bathroom door until they are done. What do I do to control and prevent it from spreading?

Isaac Kennedy April 24, 2011 - 7:26 am

I am a 14 year old male student, my parent got me a room built a few months ago, since then my room always has a muggy musty smell and everything is wet and the floor is slimy, large patches of mould are visible on the floor everywere now ( they used to be small ) mold is growing on nearly everything, ive aired out myvroom everyday and use damprid crystal moisture absorber things, the floor is concrete and painted although most of the paint is eaten away by mould. I am in my room alot, and my parents are going to get it tiled soon, will this help? What do i do? Is this bad for me and things like my tv and xbox and stuff, PLEASE IVE TRIED EVERYWERE, i really need your help. Email me at: imk1996@hotmail.com

Darlene April 24, 2011 - 8:17 pm

I teach at a school that has had a leak for 11 years...not just a leak but running water from the ceiling every time it rains. Now several teachers including myself are having severe upper repiratory infections as well as asthma and pnuemonia. How can I get the ceiling tested for mold? The administrators are doing nothing to address this problem. Thank you

gale May 2, 2011 - 2:41 pm

a few years ago my husband and i remodel my daughters kitchen and bath before she moved in . we found black mold on the drywall we removed it. not knowing we needed to take special care . we ,touch,it& breath it her house is close to the lake. the other day I found black mold in the chest where i keep blankets and heating pads. i clean them. now i am reading all the symptoms and have many that is listed. what do i do. and where do i start. i have not felt right in years . i have been to dr's and specials know one can put there finger on what's wrong. hum maybe i just found out!!!

Servpro of Lincoln May 23, 2011 - 9:13 pm

Mold Prevention Tips The key to mold control is moisture control. Solve moisture problems before they become mold problems! Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible. Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix source(s) of moisture problem(s) as soon as possible. Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid). Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed. Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. Maintain low humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50%, if possible. Perform regular building HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled. Clean and dry wet spots within 48 hours. Don't let foundation stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away for the foundation.

brandy withee June 8, 2011 - 6:51 am

hi i have green and black mold in my back bedroom my husband says its nothing to worry about...well we keep coming down sick and theres a bad musty smell and our so was born with eye problems and they cant figure out why cause theres no family history and all his test come back negative could this have caused it? we have currently moved our bedroom into our living room but im still in fear that were in danger of getting sick

kathryn June 10, 2011 - 4:58 pm

Hi me and my partner moved into his mother till we could get a place. however in our bed on three walls we have thick black mould growing also we hav it in living room and hallway. we leave windows open to air it but dnt make a difference. 8 months ago i gave birth to my baby boy who was 2 weeks early they discovered he had a infectin n was in intesives care for two weeks, now scince he was two weeks old he has been sick alot and started havin chest problems and is on inhaler, i havnt told my doctor about the mould and now reading this i am wonderin wether it is down to the mould but my partner is also havin the same problems and i have started getting chest pains what is your advice

Jenna June 20, 2011 - 12:40 pm

I moved into an older apartment about 3 months ago. While I have always had asthma and sinus problems and tend to get sick frequently. I have been sick constantly there! I have had severe resparatory problems, am back to having to use my inhaler, major nausea and trouble keeping food down, sores in my mouth and a white coated tongue, and a rash that will NOT go away, also multiple ear infections. Even my dog (a pug) has been sick and she has never been sick before. I always knew it had a mildew "scent" to it but a lot of older apartments in our area smell that way. I don't visibly "see" mold anywhere but I had family that recently visited and they all noticed how strong the smell was. I talked to the office and they are supposed to be "checking it out". But how do you test for that? And are THEY responsible for doing the testing, even if you can't see anything? I have never really put two and two together in regards to the weird symptoms I've never had before until I lived there and now I am curious and don't really know where to start.

Claudia June 30, 2011 - 10:47 am

i have been renting a flat for 8 months now and have black mould growing in every corner of the flat. including in my memory foam matress, duvets and inside all my property such as wardrobes its all over my clothes. at night it makesmy nose bleed, where it feels like i'm suffering from hayfever (this only happens when i sleep at home, no where else). the windows are open and the mould has begun to grow on the walls again, in the space of 2 months. i have been trying to get the landlord to come and inspect and he is talking about cleaning the flat. what are my rights? what can i do? can i claim for the damage to my matress? is this a dangerous building that i need to report for restructuring or anything?

joe July 2, 2011 - 8:12 am

hi i found something in my house thats like a browny green ball and smells like nail polish remover. can you please tell me what it is and what to do aswell thanks.

Barry July 13, 2011 - 10:20 am

Some simple and prudent advice to all of those complaining about mold in their living spaces: Clean it up! On permanent surfaces, a bucket, water, soap, scrub brush, sponge and about 10 mintues should do it. On personal property wash it or throw it out. Then stop the water source. Finally, the sky is not falling, read the objective materials on the subjet and stop believing everything published by mold "specialists" who have a vested interest in having you over-pay for their services.

Grandma July 27, 2011 - 3:18 pm

I am frustrated as my daughter is living in a rent-to own basis with her common law husband in a trailer, that probably would be condemened if expected. The trailer is filled with mold. It is very noticeable. There is even mushrooms growing through the floor. I go in there and I just want to cry knowing that my 3-year-old and 4-year-old grandchildren are living in that environment, not to mention their mother is pregnant once again. I called Alberta Health about it and they can't go in the house, unless my daughter or her common-law let them in. Is there not some kind of law in place where if someone has a health concern of a family member who are living in an unhealthy environment that someone can go in and check out the premisis?

amanda jolly August 11, 2011 - 7:39 pm

To Barry..... Yes please lets clean up microbial growth that is caused by a moisture source with water.... You are a genius!!! They should save the money they were going to spend on what is typically a free inspection, purchase your opinion and pray the value of that grows as quickly as their mold. To those that are here for actual advice the truth is most remediation companies will do free inspections and estimates. Look for smaller companies that have reasonably good reviews. The truth is there are a lot of people in this industry that have no business doing what they do. Contractors. Most home inspectors. And surprisingly enough, over half of water disaster recovery personnel cannot identify mold that is not black, run of the mill or growing on bread. No joke....its a scary world and the more catastrophic events that occur the more specialists (storm chasers that couldn't cut it in another field)that come out of the woodwork talk a good game, offer insane warrantees and then dissipate as quickly as the storm they chased in. If you have questions contact a professional because no mold or situation that created it is created equal!!!!!!

Shelon August 30, 2011 - 12:11 pm

I need to know if living in this could have caused my boyfriends throat cancer, in his voice box. click on this website and you can see my problem. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075946&id=1481921913&l=113ce337ec

Monique August 30, 2011 - 10:06 pm

I work for an eyecare / glasses store in a large mall. We have a lab where we make the lenses for the glasses in the store. For the past 6 years the roof has been leaking and it just gets worse. Its to the point where we can hardly work in a certain area because of the rain on our heads and face . The mall brought us an umbrella like the kind used outside on tables. its almost impossible to work under this thing because the base is very large and gets in the way. Mold is everywhere. We clean it but it just comes back. Its in the airconditioning because you can see it in and on the vents. Its in the cabinets and it gets on some of our hoses and stuff that we touch. Its a black type of mold kind of spotted like. Sometimes I get so hoarse I cant talk my nose constantly runs and is red. We have called the mall maintenance so any times we have all the calls documented in a book. They supposedly sent roofers to fix the roof and now the rain isn't just in one area its spread around. We need our jobs and its not our company's fault its the mall. what kind of mold is this? Is it toxic? What can we do?

Jonathan September 1, 2011 - 7:47 am

Monique, that sounds like a bad deal.. First off, have you had the place tested for mold? Its obviously there - What you don't know, though, is what kinds of mold you're dealing with. With the test complete, you may have some ammunition in getting the mall to take action. Mold is a serious problem and, considering the time that you spend in that environment and the poor conditions, the health of you and your team, especially folks more prone to sickness, is at risk.

kerrie September 6, 2011 - 6:16 pm

hi i have bad black mold everywhere in my flat in my baby room and white big circles of mold on my carpet we have in every room in the flat black mold ive lost carpets buggys cloths beds curtains my life is upside down we had high readings in both rooms yet i dont know where i stand the council have done nothing to help for a year i have scrubbed it of it comes back and now im stuck the council tell me black mold round front door in the gaps where hinge is and all around the inside of the property around the door is normal is this normal ??? gaps between skertin boards and floor in front room and kitchen is this normal please help ...i have mold even in the airing cubboard and electricity cubboards .i always have blocked nose headace my exzma is worst it ever been and now my baby got exzma and my partner got asma what can i do i just want to leave my home and start fresh mold has destroyed my family

kerrie September 6, 2011 - 6:20 pm

the white circles are all over my bedroom wall and black circles on my ceiling in the bedroom and my skirtin boards and carpet have gone black

sara stalker September 22, 2011 - 12:44 pm

i have dont know who to talk to or ask this to...i have 3 boys the to older 15,18 have the two rooms next to each other facing the front drive iof the home and they r rooms upstairs. they have both had a cough off and on but nothing real bad enough to go to the dr. that was over the summer. it has started to rain in oregon and the BOTH have broncitias AGAIN!!! last winter they both were oujt of school so much for coughs and lung issues i was fined 4 times ($600.00) since my son went to the dr for a foot funguis and came back saying he also has broncitias i wonder can it be in the heater vents, in both rooms the vents r low and rooms small and face level when laying in bed. my other so and i have not had any cough ever and our rooms face the back of the house across the hall. maybe the roof or something. i dont see any mold but im very concerned can u help me with any thing? thanks for the time. SARA

Mary L October 8, 2011 - 12:56 pm

I recently found some dark brown fuzzy stuff on the siding outside my house. That evening I showed my boyfriend. More stuff white and frothy had appeared and by the next morning it turned dark brown like the original stuff. What is this?????

cathy October 17, 2011 - 4:09 pm

hello, we are renting a home just since the middle of this month. Oct/2011. a little over a week ago, i realized the carpet in the bedroom was VERRY wet.........then found that it was coming from a drain problem in the bathroom. with this water being here so long..(even longer before we moved in, probably) should we call in a professional to check for mold? makes me very nervous. thank you

Steve November 22, 2011 - 10:39 pm

Jusr found small amount of black mold on Sheetrock in bedroom. About one inch long by about 1/2 inch wide. By window. Looks like roof may be leaking. Stay out of bedroom for now till fixed?

andrea November 27, 2011 - 6:45 am

I've benn living in a house with mold for one and a half years now. At first it was ok, because the house was just painted, but now i cant fight the mold evan with ragular washes of bleach. The kitcken is thw worse place, the walls are abosolutly black with mold, the cupboards get hairy inside after few days after clanning tham, everything is mouldy!!! i cant handdle it, and i wonder how much in danger i am now, after so long breathing that black mould. I've been ill constanTLY.Can black mould kill you??

mary December 21, 2011 - 8:37 pm

I live in a 14 year old split level with a finished basement. i have been here two years and in the last 6 months i have noticed twice small patches of mold growing on the ledge of a half wall in my basement. it was very easy to clean and i have had company staying in that room for about 5 months now, so there is a lot of extra things sitting on that half wall and the door is frequently closed. will a dehumidifier help this situation or do i need to rip out my wall?

melissa January 5, 2012 - 12:10 am

Hello. I was wondering if mold might b in my home. Over the summer and still the roof has been leaking. The leak comes into my first floor bedroom where i need a bucket. There is discoloration, chipped paint and a little bowing from drywall. There are stains and chipped pain upstairs too. But it seems it going in between the walls upstairs. In my basement i had garbage bags and boxs of clothes whichn i had to throw out because they were wet, rotted and mildewed. Right before my son was born 3 months ago i was diagnosed with severe pink eye. Since then i have had no energy. My joints (hips and shoulder mainly) hurt. And i have had bronchitis/pneumonia also. Should i call health department since landlord is doing nothing? Or am i being paranoid. Ps after cleaning basement had migraine so bad almost went to er

seo January 31, 2012 - 12:56 pm

Howdy! I could have sworn I've been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it's new to me. Anyways, I'm definitely delighted I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

Kam March 3, 2012 - 7:56 am

I bought a house that had loads of mold hidden inside the walls. My Mom has been suddenly diagnosed with end stage liver disease. All my family have symptoms of mold poisoning. I do not have the finances to change house and cannot sell the house. Can anyone advise me what to do? I live in BC, Canada.

Lacey March 6, 2012 - 1:05 pm

Hi there, We have had our sewer back up in our rental house 3 times this fall our landlord left us the renters to do all of the clean up ourselves from mopping up the poop water to trying to get the water that has got underneath walls downs stairs. He said it should be fine but there's moisture inside of the windows and our kids are usually sick you can smellild inside the home, suggestions?

Maria March 10, 2012 - 9:56 pm

I would like to know how to tell if books have been affected by mold. My mom's basement was determined to have a lot of mold by a professional and he stated that the books must be thrown out. I have always been a book collector and I hate to throw them out if they aren't damaged. Any help would be appreciated!

Barry April 5, 2012 - 10:46 am

Does not heating a house in the winter cause mold to grow? In spring time when we open it up it smelled moldly.

Tempest April 5, 2012 - 10:02 pm

Ok its so hard to talk about it... I woke up one morning and I went in my full bath to take a shower when I was finish with my steaming hot shower I notice this LONG WHITE STEM COMING OUT THE WALL AND A BLACK OVAL SHAPE HEAD ON TOP EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!! I ran and got some clorox bleach and filled this empty water bottle with it and ran back in the bathroom and I knocked down the long stem with the oval shape black head and poured BLEACH ALL OVER IT AND ALL OVER THE WALL well the paint peeled off the wall and I seen alot of black mold marks under the paint OH MY GOSH THE FILTH!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW GROSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! If I keep peeling the wall its only making the apperance worst so what should I do??? MAybe I'll paint over the filth GOSH!!!!! Maybe I should have a house made out of steel I'm SO FREAKIN OUT I'm SO FREAKIN TRAMATIZED!!! I WANT THE WHOLE EARTH TO BE BLEACHED!!!! EVERYONE SHOULD BATHE IN PURE BLEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!! POUR BLEACH IN THE OCEAN POUR BLEACH IN OUTER SPACE POUR BLEACH IN THE BLACK HOLE POUR BLEACH ON EVERY FREAKIN LIVING THING!!!!!!!

Michele April 6, 2012 - 9:03 pm

Barry, it is obvious you have not suffered with mold related illness or you would not make such a flip remark as the "sky is not falling." Mold exposure is a very serious health issue and as a realtor I am more aware of this than a lot of people. I am now aware due to my own personal mold exposure in a rental house where the landlord neglected their responsibility and let the basement continue to flood with standing water for over seven years. Wherever you have moisture, you have mold! Once we finally got an indoor air quality specialist in and I started moving boxes away from the walls, there was black mold everywhere. The cinder block walls are wet. The bad air from the basement which also had a dirt area was coming up through the heat and air conditioning vents and the furnace was not properly sealed so it was blowing up through the intake located on the living room floor. I have been sick for over a year with migraines, dizziness, stroke like symptoms, chronic fatigue, & the list goes on. So for those of us suffering from mold exposure and renting from a landlord who won't take responsibility, the sky is falling!!! I have learned not to ever use bleach to clean mold, it makes the problem worse. Instead use peroxide. Now that my 12 year old son is starting to be affected, I am going to see an attorney if my landlord will not compensate our family in some way for loss of wages & sickness due to mold exposure. In the mean time we are looking for another rental immediately. Everyone on here who suspects mold exposure, please get out immediately, you are not imagining your symptoms. Most of the medical profession is ignorant about mold exposure as are a lot of mold remediators. Make sure they are licensed in the state where you live and ask them if they use bleach to clean mold. Anyone who tells me they use bleach is not anyone I would use as an indoor air quality specialist. It costs about $400 in Virginia where I live to have a specialist come in, take mold samples, and assess the situation.

valerie April 27, 2012 - 11:11 pm

Im addicted to smelling mold. It smells like earth to me. Just like the lands of norway where i used to live. All the wet soil and the greenery. I have an unused fridge where it developed a dark mold possibly a black mold that i frequentley yet not so breathed in deeply for long periods at a time. What are the dangers of what i am doing

brian hoyle May 18, 2012 - 12:40 pm

iam removing black spot mould all the time at work only cover my mouth with a dust mask is this suffincient to protect me inhaling the spores

Jill Sengstock May 29, 2012 - 4:39 pm

Hi--looking for a recommendation for hygienist in Chicagoland area. Do you have any names you could pass along? It sure helps. Thank you!!

deona June 20, 2012 - 10:39 pm

I am 19 and I live in a house and my basement flooded. I was very pregnant stupied the time and on bed rest,so I was not able to clean the carpet. It grew mushrooms from no where and I cleaned it a few days ago and I never seen something so bad. But now I'm really sick. Could it be the mold?

theresa July 8, 2012 - 4:24 pm

hi. my name is theresa i have been sick did not know why me and my boyfriend we been have dry cough runny nose bloody nose runny eyes he even had pink eye the apartment is of mold in the basement i went to check on the light in the hall way it has small like cotton ball like can you tell me if this is mold water in basement and can you help me get some people out here to close it down the girl down stairs moved because of mold

A.Weldon August 15, 2012 - 10:50 am

I reported my leaking ceiling to my landlord and they sent someone to fix it. The contractor came in and spraypainted over the stains and the mold. I'm not sure that he actually fixed anything. Is that an acceptable form of fixing a moldy leaking ceiling? Thanks A.Weldon

Melissa August 27, 2012 - 9:03 pm

With allergies and asthma, I am well aware (and experience) the physical impacts of mold and mildew exposure. Simply can't keep up with it in my environment (b/c I am rarely home -- caring for elderly Dad -- but when here, I smell and feel it despite my efforts to clean it away). My real question, arising from issues with fiance that does not treat his allergies -- can major exposure cause psychological symptoms in additional to physical? Trying to get to root of his symptoms, and he sleeps on side of bed that most frequently reeks of mold/mildew despite attempts to keep cleansed.

Darren October 22, 2012 - 4:54 pm

We have a very small area on my 2x6 wall frame that has mold on it. Can I treat this area with a bleach solution to fix the problem?

Holly Wildrick October 24, 2012 - 7:26 pm

my daughter and i have been fighting this mold problem for almost a year between the 2 of us we have 5 little ones in the house my son and i are always sick we had tried getting help but it seems people don't care i've had inspectors come in we had signed up for houseing i've called the state rep for help and nothing works we have no place to go we did get it cleaned in the house but the umder neith the house is covered in mold and the home owners insurence won't do nothing about it and there are harable smells comeing from the furnice area we just don't know who to turn to we're looking for help

terry November 14, 2012 - 11:54 am

i live across the street from a closed school. when the breese blows toward my house there is a heavy musty smell. i can not get a responce from the school system or county health department i would sell and move but who would buy with this odor outside.

Gregory Restoration January 7, 2013 - 6:04 pm

This is a very informative article! Mold damage is such a trauma, especially when it occurs in your home. Without the help of a professional mold damage restoration team, it can become impossible to contain!

http://tinyurl.com/melithorn38046 January 9, 2013 - 5:33 pm

Thank you for using free time to compose “Mold is Dangerous: 7 Tips You Need To Know - The Mold Blog”. Many thanks once more ,Sheila

Rochelle June 19, 2013 - 1:48 pm

We are renting and have toxic mold in one of the bedrooms. It was my son's room. We have been here 1 1/2 months are moving out in a few weeks but i left my sons books in there and mattress.....do i need to throw them away? they were never wet but in the same room with the mold. We had a mold specialist out and he confirmed 2 types of mold. Any help would be great! Thanks

BrianReeves June 19, 2013 - 2:26 pm

It is very likely that mold spores have transferred onto the mattress and books. This can cause cross-contamination if they are moved to a new location. Here is an article on removing mold from books.

Angela September 5, 2013 - 9:14 am

I live in an apartment complex that is divided by four buildings. The building I live in has three floors, a basement apartment and two other floors. About a year ago we had a bad rain and one of the apartments had about a foot of water. They thought they had it cleaned up, now the new tenants had to leave because of a mold issue. My boyfriend is the resident manager of the complex. the tenant started to complain about the mold smell they were getting sick, when he went into investigate the problem he couldn't even stand to be in there, his nose burned so bad he thought it was going to bleed. But what he did see was these white looking crystals covering everything. And mold growing everywhere. I'm concerned for the rest of the apartment complex cause they are all indoor doors.

jade Simmons October 15, 2013 - 6:29 pm

hi there :-) iv been living in my appartments for 5 yrs now sorry,i have white blinds up theres always been a black colured mould on them that started of a little and over the 5yrs of living here it got worse going half way up the blinds.I never really open my window at all. because its to dangerous to leave open so i allways guessed that had something to with it but lately in the past 2/3 months iv noticed that when i open my wardrobe some of my shoes and clothes have got white round mould spots on them. any idea whats going on here it? x

sandra flores May 5, 2014 - 12:48 pm

I am renting apartment and have had flooding in the bathroom several times...have noticed a black mold and an musty odor..Have children in the home and am very concerned..ihave cleaned it several times and it keeps appearing..I am very concerned about our health...Closet adjacent to bathroom walls were soaked and carpet It has been in this condition for serveral days and has been to attempt to correct this problem..I am concerned for my grandchildren and myself..i am an ederly person and my breathing has been difficult in the last several days..I don't know who to connect in this situation,,Can you point me in the right direction or a phone number to call...Have not had any contact with maintance

Kelly June 4, 2014 - 4:16 am

My mom has moved out of a house that had mold. Does that mold live on her belongings? And should we follow the same cleaning protocol?

Teresa June 26, 2014 - 4:56 am

Hello! We stored our leather sectional in the garage for several months. We finally found room for it in the house but when I went to the garage it had greenish mold on it. I used furniture polish to clean the mold off, some disinfectant wipes to clean the leather parts, used disinfectant spray for the cushions and mattress, then I used lemon oil on the leather. We brought it into the house but it still smells moldy. What more can I do? Is it better to just throw it out?

Victoria July 2, 2014 - 11:15 am

My basement room flooded and we are having a problem with mold now. My questions is...am I able to keep the books and board games that were down there if they have no sign of being wet or moldy? I don't want to throw all these things away unless it is a safety concern bringing them upstairs.

Neher July 9, 2014 - 11:17 am

Thank you!

Shelly wear September 8, 2014 - 2:17 am

We have recently treated wet rot wood under my bath from a leak with wet rot treatment. 3 weeks on an there's a bad smell in my bathroom not the damp smell like before but still a funny musty smell. Is this normal while the wood is drying out still ??

Xuequinox September 21, 2014 - 4:19 pm

Im Using A Younger Friend's Email (I Dont Have One) And Noticed Something. (BTW, It Might Not Be Allowed For Me To Comment, Being 15 Years Old, But I Am Asking Out Of Curiosity.) Sept. 21, I Was In My Kitchen About To Make A Sandwich When I Spotted Some Grey-ish Dots About 4mm Each On My Bread. I Asked My Father To See, But He Said I Was Worrying Too Much. Is This True, Or Is It A Danger?

Xuequinox September 21, 2014 - 4:38 pm

Also, The Dots Were Furry, I Was Sure They Were Specks Of Mold. And I Forgot How Small They Accually Were, But I Can Match Its Size Up To The Size (Grouped Up Together Into A Ball) Of 6.2 cm. (One More Thing: Sorry About Beginning Every Word With A Capital Letter, Its My Thing, I Know Many People Are Annoyed By This Typing, And I Know That This Makes You Prone To Capitalization Mistakes In Typing.)

Xuequinox September 21, 2014 - 4:52 pm

One More Question; Can This Mold Spread To Other Objects, Or Even More Food? If So, How Can I / My Family Clear This? One More Thing, I Found A Bit Of Mold On And Under The Rug, About 400 To 780 Spores Combined. Im Still Not Quite Sure If This Is A Big Issue Or Not. I Want To Know How To Solve The Issue, Just In Case This Happens Again.

Tracie October 1, 2014 - 7:44 am

We had a so called mold expert in this am and he stated that all you have to do is paint over the black mold and it will contain it, and also he stated that it has to be 100 sq. foot section for it to be dangerous! Please tell me this is not true, because the staff I work with is always sneezing, dry itchy throats, and bloody noses,itchy eyes, and coughing spells, what can we do Tracie

BrianReeves October 1, 2014 - 12:16 pm

Painting over mold will not contain it and the EPA says anything over 10 sq ft a professional needs to handle.

Jody October 2, 2014 - 9:25 am

We have mold in our house we are renting. They want us to remove all items, bedding, clothes, kid toys and etc. My question is if the items were not touching or stored directly in the moisture, does it need to be cleaned. Expample if our room has the mold but our mattress didn't get wet just the floor. Does the mattress need to be cleaned as well. And if no mold was found in daughter's room. Do I need to clean all items in her room as well. Trying to be safe and do it right.

debbie February 15, 2015 - 8:54 am

is mold removel covered my homeowners insurance?

Marie April 4, 2015 - 7:30 am

Since moving into this rental house my toddler has been experiencing episodes of respiratory distress - no history of asthma, barely any colds, never had antibiotics = a very healthy baby before this! So - I've discovered a black mold growing on his windows (where they lock) and green fuzzy circles of mold growing up the bamboo blinds in that window. The basement has a terrible odor as well. It seems we may have a mold problem. Should we hire someone to come test and inspect the home and is it safe to clean the moldy areas in his room?

Brit April 20, 2015 - 3:33 pm

Hi I noticed some mold behind my fridge on the floor and some growing on the wall how do I know if this mold is growing under the wall. I have a two year old and a 3 month old baby. I'm very concerned for their health. What should I do????

Amber June 17, 2015 - 4:45 pm

I just found a couple of mushrooms growing in the kitchen next to my fridge. I'm scared because I have a very weak immune system and I am wondering if they are dangerous and mean there is mold present?

Darla August 4, 2015 - 4:50 am

I have lung cancer. I am retired from an office I recently found out is full of black mold and lots of it that feel has been there for years. I wa as there for over 18 years, 40+ hours a week. My Co worker just had a liver transplant. Is there a test to determine if mine was caused by the mold?

Raylin August 12, 2015 - 8:45 am

I am very sensitive to mold and that is the first thing that we had to take care of before we moved into our last home. We hired on a restoration company and they took care of it for us. I am so glad that we did that because now I don't have to worry about me or my kids getting sick. http://www.servicemasterofedm.ca

pat August 15, 2015 - 12:12 pm

I can't believe all these people living with obvious mold. Mold is totally toxic and you should leave any home with mold. Even when it is remediated,, it is difficult to get rid of completely. Get out of a home with mold.

Sam Gross August 21, 2015 - 1:06 am

Hi, I have some mold concerns I wanted to ask about. We just bought a home that had been foreclosed on. This house sold very cheap due to all the problems. The roof had a leak for over a year, that has caused mold to spread throughout the back part of the house. The mold is visible on the drywall, ceiling, and floors. The floors in this home are all concrete. I noticed some water that had come up thru the concrete this summer, after a week long rain. My question to you is this- my husband put a new roof on the home- has not had a chance to get the drywall out that's mold infested- he has been working on it little by little- his plan is to gut the home. Will the mold go away of the moisture goes away? Or do we need to bleach or sanitize the entire gutted home to be safe from spores? I don't know much about mold, if it's spores are similar to mushrooms to where they can spread quickly if conditions are rite- either way I have 3 children, and I do not want to put them in harms way. The mold was not inspected prior to being torn out with the drywall, and is still not completely gone. My husband, and his (patronizing buddies) that aren't gonna be living there- don't think "it's a big deal" they are all old country folk, that had never heard the dangers I had told them I read about online. What are your suggestions? Fo I get a product an go over every square inch on the gutted home b4 new drywall and insulation gets hung? Or do I trust since the leak had been stopped, and the home is dry- that the mold will go away? Thanks for your time, Sam

dan September 22, 2015 - 1:15 pm

wow thanks for the advice

Michael November 20, 2015 - 8:08 am

I have a house that was in a flood - 5 ft on the first floor - note... this house was built in 1867... about 150 years old. We had all walls bare and the place cleaned with 3 days of the event so everything could breath and dry out. Also, winter came shortly after and the house stood unheated that winter. In the spring we did anther cleaning as I was seeing some active mold growth in the basement. I sprayed all joists from below and scrubbed any area with what looked like active mold. For the most part it seemed minimal given the situation. Afterwards, there's been a white dusty film in some area's, however over years it has not spread or looked like it's converted back to active growing mold. I would think if I wiped the joists with a wet rag the residue would just come off or I could remove it with a stiff brush pretty easily. My questions are... Is this white film on some of the joists a problem? Like it's imperative I get this cleaned off now or is this little health threat but should be cleaned up sometime? Looking to see if it sounds like a HUGE and urgent problem, not a problem or somewhere in-between. Thanks!

Tamara Stella November 27, 2015 - 5:08 am

The carpet is 5 mo old . I've been experiencing all said problems as I've read. Severe... Antibiotics and steroids are helping? Carpet was black I mean black all over the living room with green patches in the corner. Apt cleaned carpets and said its fine. I do not trust this. Was getting sick, then sinus infection. In Tenn apt. While in fl to see doc. Bf sent pic when he got back (air left on), the pictures are awful. Leasing agent said its fine. Scared to go back was so sick wanted to die. Code eenforcement said the met min standard.

Evelyn December 7, 2015 - 11:30 am

I'm renting a home that has mold and I'm freakin out. I have lived in the home for three years and never saw anything like this coming. I first noticed the mold a few weeks ago, it's just in one large room that was transformed from a garage into a bedroom. I have had three leaks in the home in the past two months and that's when the it showed its ugly head. There is mold EVERYWHERE!!! on the walls the ceiling the window seals even my clothes have started to mold. I have let the property manager know and even had them come to look at it. How long should I give them to fix this problem...should I even still be staying here? I am ready to vacate!

krystle December 7, 2015 - 12:09 pm

If you are able to vacate, I would recommend it until everything is remediated properly (make sure your property manager has it handled by a professional and doesn't just try treating it with bleach or painting over it).

Raymond December 12, 2015 - 4:52 pm

I got some Guinna-hen weed Roots, I washed them thoroughly and rinse it in beech water then spread them to dry,I stored it in a zip lock plastic bag and now it is full of mold. can i wash it in bleach again to get rid of the mold? I await your response, thanks

Sally January 5, 2016 - 3:07 pm

I know someone that recently drank from a water bottle and it had been sitting for a while with some water in it and closed air tight so it started to grow mold, they cleaned it out but Didnt get all of the mold out, are they are at any risk of anything?

James January 14, 2016 - 12:23 pm

I have recently discovered black mold in the home I rent. The landlord is willing to do what it takes to fix the problem. My question is about my families safety during the repairs. Should we be considering vacating. I'm concerned that throughout the process that a lot of the mold will be spread to the things in my home.

mia April 17, 2016 - 7:36 am

Is white mould on books and dishes dangerous?

staci May 27, 2016 - 8:20 am

Im renting a unit as well and the land lord only wants to fix one problem but the problem is that I have mold in the bathroom and mold in the kitchen what one should he fix first, is the more danger one the kitchen or the bathroom

Tell If Household Mold Dangerous | Linlinanami July 12, 2016 - 9:05 am

[…] Mold is Dangerous: 7 Tips You Need To Know – Mold Blogger – We are renting a home and we feel like there is mold in about every room. I have been trying to find out how I can tell if this is dangerous to our family’s health … […]

Selena Richad August 6, 2016 - 10:26 am

These are the great tips which really helps me to find out whether the mold is dangerous for our health but what i have read every where that the Toxic black mold symptoms are really dangerous for humans to survive and also they can cause cancer as well. http://www.floodaz.com/toxic-black-mold-symptoms/

Lillian September 2, 2016 - 12:22 pm

I live in a condo second fl. My question is,if the owner below me has a totally black moldy master bathroom,I mean sever. Lives in a apt. That is awful filthy . The black on the walls,bathtub toilet everywhere can that mold climb inside the walls to my place?

Lillian September 2, 2016 - 12:24 pm

I live in a condo second fl. My question is,if the owner below me has a totally black moldy master bathroom,I mean sever. . That is awful filthy . The black on the walls,bathtub toilet everywhere can that mold climb inside the walls to my place?

Lisa Christine Cleland October 4, 2016 - 6:13 am

We have been living in an old mold filled house.We have call the landlord about it for 2 years now it'll be 2 years October 17th that we've lived here I have been very sick for 2 years and on antibiotics the whole time so I was not able to get my back and neck surgeries done properly or in time therefore causing me a lot of pain and not being able to clean my house do the dishes Etc. My father has leukemia and has been very sick also and he visits alot after my mom and sister passed away he is very sick now and coughing up a lot of phlegm I have a doctor's appointment today I've been coughing up black phlegm for a couple weeks now the landlord stopped by yesterday and wants us to clean up our basement and clean up the house I just had to back surgeries done 2 weeks ago he claims he's going to give us 30 days to move out I didn't ask him about I didn't want to move out I was just telling him to fix the problem the basement walls leaking but because of the large trees in our backyard they're probably the biggest trees in our city but the roots are pressing against the basement wall causing it to leak next to the electrical box and everywhere else and instead of just patching it up he won't tear it down and build a new recessed wall we tried to put wood chips around the whole house to stop the water and moisture a little bit the sub pump doesn't go off as often now, my father has to go get a chest CT I'm sure they're going to send me for one also we have the same doctor the doctor doesn't know that were related the smell is overwhelming sometimes when you walk into the kitchen and the lady before me died in this house she probably had legionnaires are Legionella disease she probably had legionnaires or Legionella disease. I've asked him to run a dehumidifier down there and that's also on my electric bill but he never grabbed one and put it in he wanted us to buy one being on disability with $700 a month does not permit me to buy a dehumidifier also my 3 boys 14,11 and 9 years old live here, my oldest has been very depressed and very sick and weak that is not like him at all my youngest has asthma and I don't want to activate that again I was born with Kawasaki's disease in it and have a very weak immune system it's very very rare but it is an autoimmune disease the pain that I've gone through without being able to get my surgeries done is unbelievable I am also a bad diabetic my doctor put me on an inhaler back in March and now I'm coughing up black phlegm I'm going to my doctor's today to find out why this landlord was also my landlord 8 years ago at a different home he doesn't do anything legal and I looked him up in Mount Clemens eight years ago he has a ton of properties that he that he doesn't take care of even my electric box was illegal and Allison said I wasn't even supposed to have electric service doesn't take care anything in the basement he just said it was our stuff and we had to clean it up and throw it out all of my things are ruined everything I own downstairs is ruined with mold and all he said was I'll give you 30 days to move out I also contacted the renters Association by email, he text me today and said I can stay if I don't call the renters Association anymore, and clean the whole basement and my house what I would do if I was physically able to so I'm going to get to it clean my coffee table off and the downstairs basement up but that's not going to eliminate the mold smell and our health problems I need an attorney as soon as possible please we have tried to eliminate the problem the sub pump goes off less often since we put the wood chips around the house but I'm very concerned about my children's health and mine!

Sarah October 11, 2016 - 3:12 pm

I've rented for 12 months now I've been at my doctors every other week with bad chest head aches tiredness I have damp everywhere my house stinks in every room downstairs I have have wet patches and salts all over the hall dining room and kitchen there are no ventsi open my windows as much as I can when I am home but lately I've been staying out through the day and I have felt better once I am home I feel ill again I don't stop coughing my chest goes tight and when I wake up I can't breath is this down to the dampness

Randi January 24, 2017 - 9:38 am

I know we have mold in our home, I can smell and visible see it in spots, we can't afford to move. How do I go about removing the mold, we have removed all the sources that can encourage mold... ie we fixed all the leaks, and clean up any moiustire after a shower or using the sinks.

Sarah Paterson August 17, 2017 - 9:49 am

Thanks for this. My home has been experiencing some mold problems and I let it go on for too long due to not having enough knowledge about the dangers. I eventually used a professional service to remove it from my Michigan home.

Mary August 31, 2017 - 5:59 pm

I have black mold falling and growing out the ceiling the owner knows and rented to me.knowing of this I didn't know or notice it till.the last tenant pointed out to me they came took pics that was a month ago and still havet done anything to take care of this issue the mold. I think the ceiling they touches one part of the ceiling. And it falling down

Mary August 31, 2017 - 6:01 pm

I have black mold falling and growing out the ceiling this located right near the kitchen in the living room all they care about is the.rent and I refuse pay living.this conditions

Monica Chavez May 10, 2018 - 2:16 pm

You make a really good point that the most perilous mold is the unseen one that hides in air conditioning units or within walls. My brother just moved into an old home that was built about forty years ago, and he suspects that there may be mold growing. It's probably a good idea for him to call up an inspector and have a professional come and check out his new place. Thanks for the tips!

Daphne Gilpin July 8, 2019 - 6:59 am

Thanks for explaining that mold spores can easily become airborne and cause dangerous health problems when inhaled. My husband and I recently noticed something on the wall of our bathroom that we're pretty sure is some kind of mold, so I've been trying to decide if I should try to remove it myself or just call a professional. I'm glad I read your article because you helped me see why leaving the job to a mold remediation specialist would be the smarter option to protect my family's health.

Greta James December 11, 2019 - 2:10 pm

Thank you so much for your tip to see if things smell moldy, or if your house has recently had water flooding issues. Yesterday, I went to go visit my sister and as soon as I walked into her home I noticed a distinct smell. I didn't want to be rude and point anything out; however, I do want to make sure my sister isn't living in an unclean environment. I wonder if she should look for mold management services in her area to give her some help.

Oscar Morrison December 20, 2019 - 10:08 am

It's good to realize that an unpleasant smell in the home could mean there might be mold in places I wouldn't otherwise see, like in the air ducts. My wife and I recently moved into our apartment and realized that it smells pretty musty and gross. Maybe we should hire a professional to check it out and see whether there's anything dangerous to our health lurking around.

Ron Booker January 27, 2020 - 1:35 pm

I'm glad you explained that mold spores can easily convert into airborne and cause dangerous health problems. My brother started renovating his kitchen and he found some dark marks on under the countertops. I better warn him so he can hire a model removing company and get rid of the fungus.

Greta James March 9, 2020 - 4:30 pm

Thank you for informing me that many molds have a very distinctive smell that is something like a gym locker. About a week ago, I went to visit my sister's home. We have had a very wet last few weeks, and when I went into her attic to look for a box, I definitely smelled something unpleasant. I wonder if the moisture caused mold to grow in her attic. I wonder if she should get it looked at by professional services.

Shelly May 8, 2022 - 2:28 am

THIS SITE IS CLEARLY NOT ANSWERING PPL'S QUESTIONS ANY LONGER, please, PLEASE, if you see anything fuzzy growing in your home or apartment, do smtg about it! Call an expert! If a landlord refuses to, do it yourself, keep ALL RECEIPTS/PAPERWORK & keep it to turn in to a judge if the landlord won't pay!!! (Esp in USA, it is a requirement to fix mold/etc UNLESS your are buying property &it didn't show up until you made a contract!) Please, don't eat anything with fuzzy mold on it! (It is a common question i keep seeing) GO TO THE HOSPITAL if you have!!! That's what I'd do, (if recent or pregnant), otherwise I'd get into a Dr asap! But, any signs of mold, call a mold expert, they should also be able to help you with your landlord I'd you are in that situation!!! If you own your own home, check your insurance and then get a quote from mold specialist/remediation specialist. If it will cost you too much on raised insurance prices, and you have a large out of pocket as well, or might be best to pay things yourself, otherwise, bring in your insurance. (And it might be worth it to change insurance providers of that's the case anyway, but deal with that after problem is fixed!) God bless you all, and good luck. ???

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