How Poor Indoor Air Quality Could Be Linked to Mold Growth
Posted in Air Quality, on February 10, 2025
Mold colonies can be invisible for months, even as common signs and symptoms are present in indoor air quality. Recognizing these signs for what they are, however, isn’t always easy for homeowners, leading to misdiagnoses, expensive “solutions,” or unnecessary worry. SafeAir’s professional mold inspection in Toronto is a treatment that works! Poor air quality is the leading sign of hidden mold problems in GTA homes, and the two often go hand in hand. Today, we’ll share some of these signs and what you can do to reduce your risk.
What is Mold?
Mold is a fungus, a living single-celled organism that plays a vital role in the natural process of decay and regeneration. Our homes are constructed from materials that mold would naturally break down, like paper, wood, textiles, and glues. Of course, we want to prevent this process from happening inside our homes, where it can damage and destroy heirlooms and structural integrity and cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage.
Mold reproduces by creating spores, tiny “seeds” that are released into the air. By floating on a breeze, hitching a ride on shoes, coats, pets, sponges, or other materials, mold colonies spread and travel to new areas.
Signs of Mold in the Air
The airborne nature of spores means that they can easily be detected during indoor air quality testing in Toronto. Even if the colony is hidden from view behind appliances, furniture, walls, or carpets, spores cause specific signs and effects that can be detected with human senses. If you have mold in your air quality, you may notice things like:
- Musty odours
- Unexplained coughing, wheezing, or respiratory complaints
- Sneezing or nasal congestion
- Headaches
- Excess indoor humidity
How Mold Spores Affect Air Quality
Some amount of mold is found in every air sample, but problems begin to arise in the closed environments of our homes. Spore buildup can concentrate and magnify the effect of breathing in all of those spores; respiratory issues are often what first brings clients to our door. One of the strongest signs that mold may be the culprit is that symptoms ease or disappear when you leave the house — the influx of fresh air literally clears the system.
Key Contributors to Mold in the Air
Mold growth is triggered for several reasons. The primary cause of any mold infestation is a combination of moisture, material, and airflow. These three effects are present any time SafeAir detects mold during an environmental assessment, but they can be prevented with a little knowledge and planning.
- Moisture is present throughout the home in the air and in pipes, sinks, drains, and tubs. Accidents, like leaks or floods, may introduce unnecessary moisture into the home and spark mold infestations, but many mold problems are caused by increased humidity from bathing, cooking, and poor airflow. Managing your indoor moisture and fixing leaks promptly will eliminate current mold issues and prevent future ones from occurring.
- Mold must eat! Mold consumes organic matter, which is why old bread will sprout furry green blotches, but it’s harder to get rid of when it attacks the structure of or objects in your home made out of wood, textiles, or paper. Keeping these items from getting (or staying) wet will significantly reduce the likelihood they will be affected by mold.
- Airflow is the last, but certainly not least, contributing factor. Mold wants to hunker down and not be bothered by stray breezes, foot traffic, and changes in light and temperature. This is why it thrives in attics and basements! Increasing airflow also dries up moisture and moves spores along before they have a chance to start growing.
Identifying Mold at Home
Mold can be challenging to remove once it’s established, which is why early detection is critical! For over a decade, SafeAir has been helping Ontarians assess their home’s indoor air quality for mold, chemicals, and other common pollutants that affect health and safety.
Mold inspection in Toronto is a safe and reliable service that assesses your home environment by testing for spores, assessing key contributors like moisture, airflow, and temperature, and looking for tell-tale signs of hidden infestations or at-risk areas. We advise folks in homes, condos, and apartments, as well as business owners and property managers looking to improve indoor air quality for all residents and visitors. To learn more about air quality testing in Toronto and book your appointment, contact SafeAir today!