• It is very important to be aware of the signs of mold.home sweet home image by David Dorner from Fotolia.com
  
  Mold and mildew infestations in residences can be extremely damaging to the overall health of households. Mold contamination can be highly toxic, and can lead to problems for individuals suffering from respiratory problems, such as asthma. Mold can also lead to health issues for otherwise healthy individuals. Mold thrives in conditions that are moist, dark and wet. It is crucial for people to be aware of the signs of mold, in order to prevent any health problems before they even get the chance to start.
  
  

Odor

• One of the first telltale signs of mold is the development of an unusual odor. The smell of mold is strong, musky and pungent. In many cases, the smell of mold remains in just one area of a residence. Often, mold can also reside within the walls, behind wallpaper, causing its location to be harder to track.
  
  

Unexplained Health Issues

• Unexplained health issues for the inhabitants of the house are also a warning sign for possible mold infestation. Some possible warning signs include sinus problems, persistent headaches, continuous runny nose, breathing difficulties, excessive coughing, sores and rashes on the skin, nasal congestion, chronic exhaustion, lethargy, problems with clear thinking and memory and a general feeling of malaise and disconnect from the surrounding world.
  
  

Visible Mold

• The appearance of mold is a major red flag for a possible infestation, although mold isn't always visible. Wall discoloration is a common sign of mold. In cases of excessive moisture, yellowish stains might appear on the walls. In the situation of mold that has progressed further, the stains are often black, brown or green in color, instead. In rarer instances, the mold can appear as gray, white or even orange spots.
  
  

Rusting or Condensation

• Condensation that appears around or on walls, windows or pipes is a common sign of high humidity and possible mold. This is especially true for rusting that appears over pipes or any other metal surfaces. This signifies excessive humidity levels, possible mold and also perhaps a nearby leak.
  
  

Distorted Wood

• High levels of moisture can lead to warping and distortion of wood. If many wooden materials inside of a house have been affected by sufficient levels of water to experience warping, there is a high possibility of mold within the residence.