Is Your Home Making You Sick? Know the Warning Signs of Mold
Mold can grow silently behind walls, under floors, and in HVAC systems — especially in a city like Chicago, where damp basements and high humidity are common. Left untreated, mold can cause structural damage and serious health issues.
Common Question: How do I know if I have mold in my house if I can’t see it?
Visual growth isn’t always the first sign. Mold can hide inside walls and under carpet for months before becoming visible. Recognizing the early warning signs is key to protecting your health and property.
1. You Smell a Persistent Musty Odor
A musty, earthy smell — often strongest in basements or crawlspaces — is a major red flag. Mold produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which give off this distinctive odor even when no visible signs are present.
2. You or Your Family Are Experiencing Allergy-like Symptoms
Do your allergy symptoms get worse at home but improve when you’re away?
Common mold-related health symptoms include:
Sneezing, runny nose, and sinus congestion
Coughing or throat irritation
Skin rashes or itchiness
Asthma flare-ups and difficulty breathing
Statistic: 93% of chronic sinus infections are attributed to mold exposure.
Source: Mayo Clinic Study
3. There’s a History of Water Damage or Flooding
Chicago’s rainy seasons, burst pipes, or sump pump failures can lead to undetected water buildup — the perfect breeding ground for mold.
If your home has experienced:
A roof leak
A flooded basement
Overflowing plumbing or sewage backups
…then mold could be growing within 24–48 hours of the event.
4. Walls or Ceilings Are Discolored or Warped
Brown, green, or black stains on ceilings or walls are a visual sign that mold is feeding on building materials. Look for:
Bubbling paint
Sagging ceiling tiles
Dark spots on drywall corners or window sills
Even if stains are dry now, they may indicate deeper mold infestations inside the walls.
5. You Find Visible Mold Growth
If you spot fuzzy, discolored patches on walls, baseboards, or behind furniture, it’s time to act. Surface mold is often just the tip of the iceberg — and deeper growth often lurks behind walls or beneath floors.
Mold colors may include:
Black (Stachybotrys)
White (Penicillium)
Green or blue
Rusty orange or brown
When Should You Call a Mold Remediation Specialist?
If you’re experiencing even one of the above signs — especially in combination with poor air circulation or humidity — don’t wait.
At EHC Industries, our team provides:
Mold inspection with moisture mapping
Safe containment and HEPA-filtered removal
Air purification and post-remediation testing
Statistic: Nearly 50% of U.S. homes have dampness or mold problems.
Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Protect Your Health and Your Investment
Mold doesn’t go away on its own. The longer it lingers, the greater the risk to your home and your family.
If you’re in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, EHC Industries is your trusted partner for professional mold remediation.
Schedule a Free Mold Assessment Today
Don’t guess — test. Let our certified team evaluate your home and provide real answers.
📍 Local. Licensed. Reliable.
🌐 www.ehcindustries.com