September is Mold Awareness Month: Protect Your Home & Health
- Nicole Brooks
- Aug 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
September is recognized as Mold Awareness Month, a time to highlight the serious risks mold can pose to both your home and your health. While mold might seem like a small problem, it can quickly spread, cause costly damage, and trigger health issues such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems.
The truth is, mold often hides where you can’t see it: behind walls, in basements, attics, or HVAC systems. By the time visible signs appear, a bigger issue may already be underway.
Why Mold Testing Matters
Even if your home looks clean, mold spores could still be present. Mold testing helps:
Identify hidden problems before they become major repairs.
Improve indoor air quality, reducing allergy and asthma triggers.
Protect property value by addressing moisture and mold issues early.
Give peace of mind when buying or selling a home.
Local Insight: Common Molds in Pittsburgh / Western Pennsylvania
Here’s what we typically find in homes across our region:
Aspergillus & Penicillium – Extremely common in Pittsburgh homes, these molds thrive on water-damaged building materials like wallpaper, insulation, and carpet padding. They’re also allergenic and sometimes lumped together in lab results.
Cladosporium – Often green or black and fuzzy, this mold grows on wood, fabrics, and window sills, and is a frequent indoor sight.
Stachybotrys (Black Mold) – Dark green to black, slimy in appearance, this mold appears in persistently damp areas like drywall or wood. It’s less common but more concerning due to its potential to worsen asthma and allergy symptoms.
Fusarium, Alternaria, Chaetomium – Common in damp, water-affected zones.
- Fusarium appears on soil, plant debris, or very moist surfaces.
- Alternaria is known for provoking allergies and showing up in homes with airflow issues.
- Chaetomium often grows on water-damaged drywall or wallpaper and emits a distinct musty odor.
September Special: $50 Off Mold Testing
In honor of Mold Awareness Month, we’re making it easier to take action. It’s our way of encouraging homeowners to stay proactive about health and safety.
Book your mold test in September and get $50 off.
Understanding the Risks of Mold
Mold can have serious implications for your health. It can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and even more severe health problems in vulnerable individuals.
Health Impacts
Exposure to mold can lead to various health issues, including:
Allergies: Mold can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Asthma: For those with asthma, mold can exacerbate symptoms and lead to attacks.
Respiratory Issues: Prolonged exposure can result in chronic respiratory problems.
The Importance of Early Detection
Mold thrives in silence. By the time you notice musty odors or discoloration, damage may already be widespread. Testing now can save you from costly remediation later and, more importantly, protect your family’s well-being.
How to Prevent Mold Growth
Preventing mold growth is crucial for maintaining a healthy home. Here are some effective strategies:
Control Humidity: Keep indoor humidity below 60%. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce moisture.
Fix Leaks: Repair any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing promptly.
Use Mold-Resistant Products: When building or renovating, consider mold-resistant materials.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you suspect mold growth in your home, it’s essential to act quickly. Professional mold testing can identify hidden issues and help you take the necessary steps to remediate the problem.
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