Mold in Home – Symptoms, Problems & Prevention [2025]

Updated on 02-Jan-2025

Mould In Home

Molds or moulds, like most fungi, break down plant and animal matter in the environment. They can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and organic material such as in soil, on foods and plants, and in people’s homes. To reproduce, molds release spores, which can spread through air, water, or on animals. (source:  health.ny.gov )

Whether you’re going to live in your home in Toronto, GTA or you’re looking to sell your house in the near future. It is vital to be able to recognize mold, know its potential health effects and deal with it immediately. In many cases, mold growth is so widespread in Toronto, that the average homeowner cannot properly control and eliminate it themselves.

Molds (and mildew) are fungi. Approximately 100,000 species of fungi have been described and it is estimated that there are at least that many waiting to be discovered. The most common fungi are ubiquitous within our environment and we are constantly exposed to them.But don’t panic. Mold can be managed effectively in most cases and this guide will help you do that.

In toronto & GTA areas mold problem is a serious health hazard. This makes mold removal in toronto one of the trending searches in google and the most sought after services. Professional mold removal companies in toronto have the experience and tools required to test the damage, conduct professional mold inspection , testing,  stop and remove mold growth before it causes any further damage to human health.

Common indoor mold species include Aspergillus, Alternaria, Acremonium, Cladosporum, Dreschslera, Epicoccum, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, and Trichoderma.2 Stachybotrys, a type of mold, refers to several species of mold (which is a type of fungus ) and they have a dark green or black appearance.

The color of mold is not associated with how dangerous it can be, according to the Trusted Source from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Furthermore, there is no evidence linking dark molds such as Stachybotrys chartarum with particular health conditions.

Molds thrive in hot and often humid environments, including bathrooms, mold on windows sills, showers, toilets, kitchens, and basements. They can also grow on wood, soil, or paper.

Mold can grow even more abundantly in humid climates or if a humidifier is used indoors.

Regardless of color, all molds must be removed from buildings and homes.

Although being around mold can cause minor effects like nasal congestion or cough for some, it can cause stronger reactions in people with asthma, mold allergies, or weakened immune systems.

Find out the effects of mold exposure, treatment options, and steps you can take to reduce mold in your home. How bad does mold have to be to condemn a house.

Investigating hidden mold problems

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth.

  • Mold can grow on the back side of wallpaper.
  • Water stain on a basement wall –need to locate and fix the source of the water promptly.
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Removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the wallpaper.

Mold can grow easily in attic and basements,

If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, or you have mold in your attic consider hiring an experienced professional to get rid of attic mold in toronto. We have a blog post to help you out in making an informed decision and find out the cost of attic mold removal.

Also Read – How To Find Mold Hidden In Your Home – 5 Signs To Look For

What are the symptoms of mold exposure?

Despite the widespread belief that exposure to Stachybotrys mold is a serious health concern, no convincing research suggests that exposure to mold causes conditions such as cancer or lung disease.

Mold can affect people in different ways, and generally does not cause any symptoms. The following symptoms are common if you are sensitive to mold. Symptoms can be more severe if the person has a true mold allergy:

  • Mucus
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Red or itchy eyes.
  • Skin rash
  • Sore throat.

Molds in particular can also cause an asthma attack in people with asthma, and increase respiratory distress in those with a chronic respiratory disease.

People with weakened immune systems may also be at increased risk for infection of the skin or lungs.

Mold can also affect children.

2016 study found that high levels of mold in homes and mattresses were associated with asthma in school-age children. The study suggested that mold may be a risk factor for asthma in children.

A common belief is that exposure to Stachybotrys mold is also linked to health problems such as memory loss, headaches, and infant lung bleeding.

This idea holds that health effects are the result of the mold releasing toxic compounds called mycotoxins.

However, according to 2017 research, there is no evidence that exposure to dark colored mold causes such unique health conditions.

Also, although a variety of molds produce mycotoxins, they are primarily dangerous to humans when eaten in large quantities. Research from 2019 establishes that there is currently no evidence that mycotoxins in the air cause disease.

RelatedWhat To Do If Your Baby Is Exposed to Black Mold?

Health problems caused by toxic mold

Mold disease is a fungal attack associated with the toxic substance called mycotoxin, which is typically a spore-like product of mold, which can enter a human system and can be neurotoxic.

The population most likely to be infected with Stachybotrys mold disease in infants, children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

Molds are fungi invisible to the naked eye. They can form colonies in various places in a building if they are present:

  • excess water or humidity;
  • sufficient nutrients such as cardboard or drywall.

When present on small areas and cleaned up quickly, mold is usually not a particular problem. On the other hand, when they develop significantly, molds disperse particles into the ambient air that can be breathed in and which can cause health problems.

Are you at risk?

Some people are at greater risk of developing health problems from exposure to molds. Those are:

  • people with allergies;
  • people with asthma or chronic respiratory diseases;
  • infants and young children;
  • seniors;
  • people with a weakened immune system, for example, due to chemotherapy treatment or a recent organ transplant.
  • Protection and prevention
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You can take certain precautions to avoid exposing yourself to mold and developing related health problems.

It is important to prevent the growth of mold in the house and to know how to recognize it when it is present. To do this:

  • regularly inspect the different rooms of your home and repair any damage or water infiltration. Clean and dry as quickly as possible, i.e. within 24 to 48 hours.
  • adequately ventilate your home, especially during activities that produce a lot of humidity, such as bathing, showering, and cooking.

Sick building syndrome: indoor air quality testing

You may be suffering from mold allergy symptoms, even without mold in your home, office, or anywhere you spend time.

One of the main causes of the syndrome of the sick building is the mycotoxins from the toxic mold and spores spread rapidly especially for air conditioners.

Molds and other fungi grow easily in damp indoor environments. People who spend time in such environments sometimes complain of respiratory effects, headaches, and other physical symptoms.

In addition to visible or hidden mold, damp spaces likely harbor mold break-down products, dust mites, bacteria, and chemicals, gasses, and particulate matter released from the materials on which molds are growing. Given the difficulties in testing for all of these elements, hard evidence of precise cause-and-effect can be elusive.

They can also fly into your home or workplace from outside or because mold previously had grown in the area and left behind a build-up of spores.

Tests can be done to find out the number of spores in the air.

By doing mold tests you will be able to know if there is good air quality based on the level of spores in your home and find out if any allergies you may have is the fault of mold or some other cause.

Common sources of moisture which degrade the indoor air quality in toronto are:

  • Roof leaks
  • Indoor plumbing leaks
  • Outdoor drainage problems
  • Damp basements and crawl spaces
  • Steam from the bathroom or kitchen
  • Condensation on cool surfaces
  • Humidifiers
  • Wet clothes drying inside the home
  • A clothes dryer venting indoors
  • Poor or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances

When to consult?

If you believe that your symptoms or those experienced by members of your family may be caused by the presence of mold, consult a health professional or call Info- The Ultimate Mold Crew Inc., Toronto Mold Removal Company.

Are you sensitive to mold?

If you or a loved one experiences some or all of the above symptoms, you may have a hypersensitivity or allergy to mold. Additionally, if you notice that your symptoms fade or go away when you go out or spend a few days elsewhere, you should inspect your entire home for mold patches. An analysis of the air quality in your home could confirm that your health problems are indeed due to the presence of mold.

Mold can seriously degrade the quality of life and health and it becomes necessary to treat the problem at the source.

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Get rid of Mold

When the molds are confined to a particular place or the plates are relatively small (less than 1m²), we can either condemn the place (cupboard, etc.) or clean them regularly with water and an appropriate cleaning product. Dishwashing liquid is very effective, and bleach is generally not recommended, as it can also irritate the respiratory mucous membranes of people who are already sensitive.

When mold has already contaminated a large part of the home (basement, framework, inside walls, etc.), it is often necessary to undertake major renovation work in order to ground the affected area and rebuild.

How to remove mold in home?

Individuals should treat all molds the same when it comes to removing them from the home.

To do this:

  • Remove visible mold growth from hard surfaces with a commercial mold removal product, hot soapy water, or a mixture of 1 cup bleach per gallon of water.
  • Remove and discard soft or porous materials, such as carpet, insulation, or wallboard that show signs of mold.
  • Contact a toronto mold removal professional if there is large mold growth in the home or if allergic reactions occur when cleaning moldy surfaces.

Mold Prevention Tips

There are ways to prevent mold from appearing or limit its development:

  • always repair water infiltrations
  • quickly clean up water damage
  • always use a ventilation hatch in the bathroom and a hood in the kitchen
  • ventilate confined spaces often, open windows, use fans if necessary
  • use a dehumidifier to control the humidity in the air
  • sweep often and wage war on dust
  • get rid of items that are contaminated, such as stored plaster, old mattresses, cardboard boxes, carpets that have been touched in a water damage
  • check the dryer connections
  • have an adequate ventilation system installed to keep a tab on indoor air quality

Recourse for tenants

If you are an owner, the work will obviously be your responsibility and it will be up to you (and your budget) to take the necessary steps to solve the problem.

However, if you are tenants and mold is making your home unsanitary and harming your health or that of your loved ones, it may be more difficult for you to succeed, especially if demolition work is required. necessary to get rid of mold. You will need to start by notifying your landlord. If no action is taken as a result, you should:

  • send a registered letter, ideally accompanied by photos
  • see a doctor confirm the diagnosis of mold hypersensitivity
  • have your home inspected by the health service of your municipality
  • take steps with the UMC, #1 Mold Removal Company in Toronto
  • consult a tenants association which can explain your rights and help you in your procedures

Ultimate mold crew #1 Mold Removal Company in Toronto - Google Search

However, we must be aware that this process is often long. When health is at stake and the quality of life is really reduced, the quickest solution to implement is of course the move. It won’t make the problem go away for future tenants, but the solution is drastic for your own inconvenience.

Even if you have a rental lease, it is possible to obtain a letter from your doctor certifying that the unsanitary conditions of your accommodation are harmful to your health, which will allow you to terminate the lease without fear of reprisals from your owner.

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