Could Your Home Be Making You Sick?

Sneezing, fatigue, a runny nose, red or itchy eyes, headache, and congestion can all occur with respiratory allergies. For people who are sensitive to mold, inhaling airborne mold spores and other fungal material may trigger these symptoms. Mold exposure can also aggravate asthma in susceptible individuals.

Mold spores are common in both outdoor and indoor air. Outdoor spores can enter through doors, windows, clothing, and ventilation systems before accumulating inside the home. Indoor mold presents a different concern: when moisture allows mold to grow within the building, it can continue releasing spores and fungal particles into the air over time.

An indoor mold problem is not always visible. Growth may be concealed behind walls, beneath flooring, under carpeting, inside HVAC components, or in basements and crawl spaces. Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and other humid locations can also support mold growth. Past leaks, flooding, condensation, and other water damage may leave moisture in building materials even when the surrounding surfaces appear dry.

Because symptoms associated with mold exposure can resemble those caused by other environmental or medical conditions, symptoms alone cannot determine whether mold is present or responsible. Measuring the molds in indoor air can provide useful information about the types and concentrations detected and help guide a more focused investigation of possible sources.

Boulder Blue tests use direct air sampling and DNA sequencing to analyze airborne mold. The results can help homeowners understand what molds are present, evaluate potential moisture or mold concerns, and determine which next steps may be appropriate. Because people vary in their sensitivity to different molds, the findings may also provide useful supplemental information when consulting an allergist or another healthcare provider.

With clearer information about the mold in your home, you can make more informed decisions about moisture control, further inspection, remediation, and the steps needed to create a healthier indoor environment for you and your loved ones.