NOLA Mold: Is Rising Damp Ruining Air?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

August 10, 2025

The musty smell hits you the moment you open the door. It’s not just an unpleasant odor; it’s the scent of a silent invader, slowly consuming your New Orleans home. Mold. It thrives in the city’s humid embrace, turning historic charm into a health hazard. But don’t despair, you can fight back.

This isn’t your average mold-removal guide. We’re diving deep into the specific challenges faced by New Orleans homeowners, offering actionable steps to identify, remediate, and prevent mold growth, tailored to our unique climate and aging infrastructure.

First, let’s talk about the enemy. New Orleans isn’t just dealing with any mold; we’re battling specific types that flourish in our environment. Rising damp, where groundwater seeps up through foundations, is a major culprit. This leads to mold growth low to the ground, often behind walls and under flooring.

The usual suspects in these situations are Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), Aspergillus, and Penicillium. Black mold is particularly nasty, producing mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems. Aspergillus is common and can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, especially in those with asthma. Penicillium, while also an allergen, is often found in water-damaged buildings.

So, how do you know if you’re sharing your home with these unwelcome guests? DIY mold testing is a good first step. Forget those expensive kits; you can create your own for a fraction of the cost.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for a simple DIY mold test:

Gather your supplies: You’ll need clear tape (packing tape works best), sterile cotton swabs, bleach, water, and sealable plastic bags.
Visual inspection: Carefully examine areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens, basements (if you have one!), and around windows. Look for discoloration, staining, or visible mold growth.
Tape lift test: For visible mold, apply a piece of clear tape firmly to the affected area. Peel it off carefully, capturing any mold spores. Seal the tape in a plastic bag.
Swab test: For areas with suspected mold but no visible growth, dampen a sterile cotton swab with water. Gently swab the area. Seal the swab in a plastic bag.
Bleach test: This is a crucial step. In an inconspicuous area, apply a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 16 parts water) to the suspected mold. If the discoloration lightens or disappears, it’s likely mold. If it remains, it could be dirt or mildew.
Compare and contrast: Compare your tape and swab samples to images of common mold types online. This will give you a preliminary idea of what you’re dealing with.
Professional confirmation (recommended): While DIY tests are helpful, they’re not definitive. Send your samples to a certified mold testing lab for accurate identification. In New Orleans, look for labs accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).

Now, let’s say you’ve confirmed the presence of mold. What’s next? Remediation. For small areas (less than 10 square feet), you can tackle the cleanup yourself. But remember, safety is paramount.

Here’s a DIY mold remediation guide for New Orleans homeowners:

Safety first: Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator (N-95 or higher), gloves, and eye protection.
Containment: Seal off the affected area with plastic sheeting and tape to prevent the spread of spores.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and using fans to exhaust air outside.
Cleaning solution: Prepare a cleaning solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products.
Scrubbing: Apply the cleaning solution to the moldy surface and scrub thoroughly with a brush or sponge.
Drying: Dry the area completely with fans or a dehumidifier. Moisture is mold’s best friend.
Disposal: Dispose of contaminated materials (sponges, brushes, plastic sheeting) in sealed plastic bags.
Prevention: Address the source of the moisture problem. This could involve repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or installing a dehumidifier.

However, there are times when DIY remediation isn’t enough. If the mold covers a large area (more than 10 square feet), if you’re sensitive to mold, or if you suspect black mold, it’s best to call in the professionals.

Here are some local New Orleans resources for professional mold removal:

Louisiana Department of Health: They don’t provide mold removal services, but they offer valuable information and resources on mold and indoor air quality.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check the BBB rating and reviews of local mold remediation companies.
Angie’s List: Find reputable mold removal services with customer reviews.
Local contractors: Many general contractors in New Orleans also offer mold remediation services. Be sure to check their credentials and experience.

When choosing a mold remediation company, ask these questions:

Are you licensed and insured?
Do you have experience with mold remediation in older homes?
What methods do you use for mold removal?
Do you offer a guarantee on your work?
Can you provide references from previous clients?

Now, let’s talk about prevention. In New Orleans, preventing mold growth is an ongoing battle. Our humid climate and older housing stock create the perfect breeding ground for mold.

Here are some preventative measures tailored to New Orleans homes:

Control humidity: Use dehumidifiers, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Aim for a humidity level below 60%.
Improve ventilation: Open windows regularly to circulate air. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
Repair leaks: Fix any leaks promptly, whether it’s a leaky roof, a dripping faucet, or a plumbing issue.
Clean gutters: Keep gutters clean to prevent water from backing up and seeping into your home.
Insulate pipes: Insulate cold water pipes to prevent condensation.
Use mold-resistant paint: When painting, use mold-resistant paint, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Regular inspections: Inspect your home regularly for signs of mold growth.

One of the biggest challenges in New Orleans is dealing with older homes. Many of our historic buildings have poor ventilation and are prone to moisture problems. This makes them particularly susceptible to mold growth.

Here are some tips for preventing mold in older New Orleans homes:

Address rising damp: If you have rising damp, consider installing a French drain or other drainage system to divert water away from your foundation.
Improve ventilation: Install vents in crawl spaces and attics to improve air circulation.
Seal cracks and gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps in your walls and foundation to prevent moisture from entering.
Consider a whole-house dehumidifier: A whole-house dehumidifier can help control humidity levels throughout your home.

Finally, let’s address the health impacts of mold exposure. Mold can cause a variety of health problems, including allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and neurological problems. People living in older New Orleans buildings with poor ventilation are particularly vulnerable.

Symptoms of mold exposure can include:

Sneezing
Coughing
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Skin rash
Headaches
Fatigue
Difficulty breathing

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, see a doctor. It’s crucial to address mold problems promptly to protect your health.

Don’t let mold take over your New Orleans home. By taking proactive steps to identify, remediate, and prevent mold growth, you can protect your health and preserve the beauty of your historic home. Remember, a little effort goes a long way in the fight against mold.