Why Black Mold is a Concern in Older Homes
Older homes in Lawndale can be full of character, but they often have hidden risks, and black mold is one of the most serious. Golden State Mold Inspections specializes in identifying mold in your home. They do not remove mold, but they provide detailed inspection reports for both residential and commercial properties, enabling you to take the right steps. In aging houses, past water leaks, worn materials, and poor ventilation create ideal conditions for mold growth, especially the dangerous Stachybotrys chartarum, better known as toxic black mold.
How Mold Develops in Older Homes
Mold is a type of fungal growth that thrives in damp and humid spaces. In older homes, damaged roofing, outdated plumbing, and worn seals can let moisture in. Once mold spores settle on materials like drywall, wood, or ceiling tiles, they can spread quickly. Over time, mold commonly causes structural damage and persistent odors. If you see mold or smell something musty, it may already be a sign of a larger mold problem.
Why Black Mold is More Dangerous Than Other Types
Not all types of mold are equally harmful, but black mold—especially stachybotrys chartarum—is a top concern. It often appears as dark green or black patches in damp areas and can produce mycotoxin, a toxic substance that may cause health problems. Black mold spores can become airborne mold, traveling through your home and increasing health risks, especially in older buildings where ventilation is poor.
Health Risks from Mold Exposure
Mold exposure can lead to a range of problems. Mold can cause your immune system to react, resulting in allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and congestion. For some, especially people with weakened immune systems, exposure to black mold may lead to fungal infections or worsen conditions like asthma. Symptoms may vary from mild irritation to severe respiratory distress, depending on the amount of mold present and your sensitivity.
Understanding Mold Allergies
Mold allergies occur when your body reacts to mold spores from the air as if they were harmful. People sensitive to mold may experience watery eyes, a runny nose, and headaches. In older homes, constant exposure to indoor mold can trigger ongoing symptoms. Doctors may use a skin prick test to confirm an allergy to black mold spores or other species of mold.
Dangers of Black Mold Exposure
Long-term black mold exposure can result in more than just sneezing or itching. Toxic mold and microbial volatile organic compounds released into the air can cause fatigue, difficulty breathing, and long-lasting respiratory damage. Even small amounts of common black mold can cause discomfort. Black mold growth in hidden areas, like behind walls, means mold testing is critical to catch it early.
Finding Mold in Your Home
In older properties, mold in the home often hides in places you can’t see, inside walls, under flooring, or in crawl spaces. High humidity, leaks, and poor airflow are the biggest causes. Mold is often unnoticed until stains appear or a moldy smell develops. By the time visible mold growth is obvious, the problem may already be severe.
Why Mold Removal is Not DIY-Friendly
While you might think a little bleach and a gallon of water can fix the problem, mold removal, especially for toxic black mold, requires care. Golden State Mold Inspections does not remove black mold, but their inspection reports give you the exact locations and details you need before hiring a mold remediation professional. Without proper HEPA filtration, cleaning can release more airborne mold and make the problem worse.
Recognizing Symptoms of Black Mold
The symptoms of black mold exposure range from mild to serious. Symptoms include nasal congestion, eye irritation, skin rashes, and in severe cases, breathing problems. Black mold can cause allergic reactions, worsen asthma, and mold can affect people differently based on their health. If you experience symptoms after being around mold, seek medical advice immediately.
Steps to Prevent Mold in Older Homes
To prevent mold in Lawndale homes, repair water leaks quickly, reduce humidity, and ensure proper ventilation. Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can help keep mold spores from the air under control. Regular mold inspections can stop mold from growing unnoticed, reducing the effects of mold and protecting your property’s structure.
Protect Your Health and Home with a Professional Inspection
If you suspect mold in your home, don’t wait until black mold growth becomes a serious hazard. Golden State Mold Inspections provides thorough residential and commercial inspections in Lawndale, identifying different species of mold, including toxic black mold, so you can take informed action.
Contact us today to schedule your professional mold inspection and receive a detailed report. Protect your health, safeguard your property, and take control before black mold becomes a bigger problem.
Golden State Mold
204 Lomita St, El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 525-0619
https://goldenstatemoldinspections.com/