Count the colonies on each plate and compare the numbers between the outdoor and indoor locations. The higher the difference of the indoor samples the poorer the indoor air quality.

Sulfa allergies are an uncommon reaction to some medications. Here’s what you need to know. READ MORE Though there are thousands of different types of mold and mildew, they all have two things in common: The first is that their mission on Earth is to digest the organic world around them. The second is that they all need moisture so their little digestive enzymes can go to work. Some types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help relieve mild to moderate symptoms linked to mold exposure. These medications include: Experts note that treating the health impacts of mold will prove less than effective if mold remains in your environment. For this reason, removing mold from your home is just as important as treating any of its physical effects. In rare cases, some people may need medical treatment due to the effects of mold exposure. But there’s no evidence that “detoxing” from mold is necessary or effective.As mould often occurs in places suffering from damp, illnesses caused by mould can also include symptoms such as a cough, headache or fatigue, which can have a considerable lasting impact on quality of life.

Older research indicates that spending time in damp indoor spaces is related to respiratory symptoms, including those of asthma. Important note: Each mould test kit analyses one room, so please increase the quantity according to the number of rooms you want to test. We recommend testing bedrooms, living rooms and children’s rooms (where applicable)Exposure to mold spores can cause symptoms for people with mold allergy and respiratory conditions like asthma. For others, mold can sometimes be an irritant. In rare cases, mold can cause infections or other serious reactions. If you have a mold allergy or chronic lung condition such as asthma, you’re at risk of more severe symptoms and complications. Mold is a real concern for homeowners and renters alike since it can grow anywhere it finds moisture and organic nutrients to feed on . "Household mold primarily thrives in damp, humid areas, such as basements, showers, and areas around heating and cooling appliances," says John Balmes, M.D., a professor of medicine at UC San Francisco and of environmental health sciences in the School of Public Health at UC Berkeley. He adds it "can also occur in ventilation ducts and crawlspace."

The Home Mold Laborator Viable Mold Test Kit provides accurate results. It also happens to be one of the easiest test kits to use, since the supplies are ready to use right out of the box and don't require any preparation. However, bear in mind that because the supplies are prepared ahead of time, these mold test kits have expiration dates, which you will want to keep note of.Pizzorno J. (2016). Is mold toxicity really a problem for our patients? Part I — respiratory conditions. Nasal sprays or rinses. Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal corticosteroids, like fluticasone (Flonase), reduce airway inflammation caused by mold allergies. A solution of warm, distilled water and saline can also help rinse your nasal passages of mold spores and remove congestion. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.