What Do I Use to Detect Mildew in My Apartment?
Mold that grows inside small spaces such as an apartment can cause health problems. While apartment managers need to keep up with maintenance to avoid such problems, sometimes unseen varieties of mold can escape notice. There are many different ways apartment-dwellers can detect mold or mildew in their living spaces. If you detect mold or mildew, contact your apartment manager immediately. Does this Spark an idea?
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Sight
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The easiest way to detect mold or mildew in your apartment is by seeing it with your own eyes. Many types of mold are visible with the naked eye, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Mold can look furry, powdery or slimy and come in an array of colors. When looking for mold, hunt around damp areas of your home, such as the bathroom and kitchen areas. Check underneath sinks, inside cabinets and around the bathtub. If you live in an area with high humidity, check on the walls, furniture and inside closets for hidden mildew. Air conditioning and heating vents are ideal places for hidden mold due to the possibility of standing water during the summer months.
Scent
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Mold and mildew often give off a distinct musty, stale or even earthy odor, according to the Florida Department of Health. Such odors are often present when the air conditioning or heater is running, especially if the mold is present in the ventilation system. If you smell these odors, begin checking for visual confirmation of mold or mildew. Anyone with mold allergies may begin suffering from symptoms when mold odors are present in the apartment.
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Black Light
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Use a black light to detect mold or mildew not visible to the naked eye. Any mold or mildew will show up bright yellow or green under the black light. When using a black light, the room must be as dark as possible. Turn off all lights, shut curtains or blinds and close the door. Run the black light along all the walls, around any plumbing and in all corners. Mark any areas that show up under the light for your apartment managers to check.
Considerations
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While there are ways to test samples and do a thorough scientific test for the presence of mold, they are expensive and should be left to professionals. According to the New York State Department of Health, results from home testing are difficult to interpret due to limited information. The best thing to do if mold is detected is contact your apartment managers and have the apartment cleaned thoroughly to avoid any related health risks.
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