How can I tell if I have a mold problem? | US EPA (2024)

FAQs

Does EPA do mold testing? ›

Please note: EPA does not inspect homes for mold or other general indoor air issues and cannot intervene in landlord/tenant issues.

Skin prick test.

This test uses diluted amounts of common or suspected allergens, such as molds found in the local area. During the test, these substances are applied to the skin of your arm or back with tiny punctures. If you're allergic, you develop a raised bump (hive) at the test location on your skin.

You can usually see or smell a mold problem. Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem.

A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms that make you miserable. In some people, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.

DIY Mold Testing Kit

Many DIY kits can be purchased through online retailers or hardware stores and offer results in as soon as 48 hours. Before purchasing one, make sure it can do the following: Detect Stachybotrys chartarum spores. Test for mold in the air, not just surfaces.

Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.

Mold testing kits are available at most home improvement stores or online retailers, although not all tests are the same. There are some kits that only test for the presence of mold on surfaces, while others collect or grow samples of the mold that may be in your home.

Air filtration is generally not considered effective in removing mold. Humidity and moisture remediation are the best methods for handling this type of problem. However, if smoke, allergens, and mold are a serious concern, having the added support of an air purifier is a good idea.

Some of the richest dietary sources of glutathione are spinach, avocados, asparagus, and okra. In addition to glutathione, quercetin and N-acetylcysteine support mold detox. If you're recovering from mold exposure, you may benefit from a concentrated dose of glutathione through supplement pills, inhalation or IV.

Exposure to mold in the home can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, eye itchiness or irritation, breathing problems, and more. It is important to contact a doctor for advice if a person has concerns about mold sickness.

Is there a tool to detect mold in walls? ›

One of the most efficient ways to detect mold is using moisture meters, which can identify areas with excessive moisture, where mold is likely to grow.

In the same way that smoke detectors identify smoke not fire, the Biomatrix Mold Monitor identifies unseen moisture that can lead to widespread mold growth.

Mold exposure can cause a variety of neurological effects, including headaches and migraines, cognitive impairments, memory loss, confusion, impaired motor skills, depression, and other behavioral changes. Due to mold exposure, people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to neurological symptoms.

Mold poisoning is also known as mycotoxicosis. This condition affects the upper respiratory system with harmful cold or flu-like symptoms. Additional symptoms due to mycotoxins can prove fatal. That's especially true for those with severe allergies, asthma or other conditions.

The cough is typically dry and non-productive, meaning it doesn't bring up mucus. It is sometimes described as having a "barking" or "hacking" sound. Tree and grass pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold are just a few allergens that can cause an allergy cough.

CDC does not recommend mold testing.

No matter what type of mold is present, you need to remove it. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and there are no set standards for what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of different kinds of mold in a home.

Air sampling is the most accurate method for determining exposure. While a tape lift may accurately determine if mold growth is present on a particular surface, it will not tell you whether that mold growth has actually affected the indoor air quality. Only an air sample can accomplish this.

If you believe that there is a mold hazard, you have the right to file a complaint with Federal OSHA or, in states with OSHA-approved state plans, the state occupational safety and Page 18 health agency.

Although both types of mold testing are accurate at detecting the presence of mold, air testing is the most accurate way of determining whether the mold is actually affecting your indoor air quality.