Don’t assume that you need to run off to the doctor as soon as you see mold. If you aren’t experiencing any symptoms and you’re not allergic, there isn’t any cause for serious concern so long as you have the mold removed. [2] X Research source Mold (such as coccidioides) can grow in certain soils, and it’s possible to inhale the spores and develop pneumonia. This can cause flu-like symptoms that last for weeks to months. It’s most common in the southwestern United States (California and Arizona), as well as parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America, and you don’t need to worry about it if you don’t live in these areas. If you have an allergy to mold, your symptoms may include sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, and wheezing. According to the CDC, all types of mold should be treated with the same degree of seriousness. See your doctor if you have symptoms of an allergy or illness, and take steps to clean the mold, regardless of what type of mold it is. You should seek medical help immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, memory loss, or lethargy after a prolonged exposure to mold. Some bacteria can build up in your lungs and cause infections if you’re exposed to mold for too long. These infections are extremely rare, though. The treatments for mold-based infections are typically steroids or antibiotics. The private companies and labs that perform tests for “toxic mold exposure” tend to be pseudoscientific and unreliable. Consult your doctor first before going to a private company for testing.

While mold can be a lung irritant in people that are not allergic to it, the medical consensus is that mold exposure is not life-threatening. In most cases, you can remove the mold from your environment and your symptoms will clear up. [4] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Your doctor may tell you to take antihistamines or decongestants to curb your symptoms. Keeping your windows closed and running a dehumidifier will also help curb symptoms from a mold allergy. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some primary care doctors will be able to perform the allergy test in their office.

If the mold is in your home, you will need to remove it by either hiring a professional mold removal company or removing the mold and repairing the affected rooms, floors, or areas. There is a blood test for mold exposure, but the skin test is the most common form of the test.

You’re more likely to be exposed to mycotoxins if you work in agriculture, and it’s considered an occupational risk. It’s best to take precautions to limit your exposure. The only type of mold that produces mycotoxins in high amounts is stachybotrys, which is commonly known as “black” mold. They can often grow on moldy food as well. There are 3 major mycotoxins: trichothecenes, aflatoxins, and ochratoxins. Your test may break your results down into these subcategories.

There is no major difference between the 3 tests in terms of the results.

Mold particles are everywhere, so you may not be able to limit your exposure completely. Staying in dry areas and eating a healthy diet is a great way to limit your exposure to mold.

If you do have an issue with mycotoxin exposure, the treatments include oxygen therapy, nutritional changes, and immunotherapy.

Be sure to check behind your refrigerator, in your air vents, and behind large pieces of furniture. Mold usually looks like a dusty debris that clings to moist or damp surfaces. It may look fuzzy or wet. Pay attention to the smell in the air. Mold has a distinctive scent and it often smells like wet leaves or soil.

The yellow category means that the moisture levels are higher than average. Red is a sign that you have serious moisture problems in the area. To reduce moisture in a room, improve the ventilation by turning a fan on and put a dehumidifier in the room.

A professional testing surface will cost $100-300, but it’s the only way to diagnose your mold problems accurately.

DIY kits are less reliable than a professional service when it comes to identifying mold. If mold grows inside the dish, you have a high percentage of mold in your air. You can send the dish to get tested at the manufacturer’s lab. Getting the sample tested will cost an additional $20-100. If no mold grows, the odds that you have mold in your home are low.

Scrub moldy tiles or caulk scrubbed clean with soap and water. Don’t paint over mold. The mold will simply reappear after the paint has dried.

Don’t put carpet in a bathroom because it traps moisture and provides a breeding ground for mold.