Mold Inspection Chicago: What Recent Deadly Mold Headlines Really Mean

If you've recently seen headlines about a deadly mold linked to recent deaths, you're not alone. The news has caused many homeowners to wonder if there is a dangerous mold growing inside their own homes.

The short answer is: there is no newly discovered "killer house mold." However, the headlines do highlight an important issue that every homeowner should understand—especially if their home has experienced water damage or excessive moisture.

As a licensed home inspector serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, I'd like to explain what these reports really mean and how homeowners can protect their families.

What Mold Is Making the News?

The recent reports involve invasive fungal infections, often caused by a mold called Aspergillus. Aspergillus is one of the most common molds in the environment and can be found both outdoors and indoors.

For most healthy people, breathing in small amounts of Aspergillus spores is not dangerous. However, individuals with severely weakened immune systems—such as organ transplant recipients, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those taking certain immune-suppressing medications—can develop serious infections if the fungus enters their lungs or bloodstream.

These medical infections are very different from what most homeowners experience with mold in a house.

Is Aspergillus Found in Homes?

Yes.

Aspergillus is commonly found in homes that have experienced moisture problems, including:

• Water-damaged drywall

• Damp basements

• Leaking roofs

• Wet insulation

• Crawl spaces

• HVAC systems with excessive moisture

• Areas affected by plumbing leaks or flooding

Finding Aspergillus in a home does not mean the home is unsafe or that someone will develop a life-threatening infection. It does mean there is likely a moisture issue that should be addressed before mold growth becomes more extensive.

Why Moisture Is the Real Problem

Mold cannot grow without moisture.

Whether the mold is Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, or another common indoor mold, the source of the problem is almost always excess moisture.

Common causes include:

• Roof leaks

• Plumbing leaks

• Foundation seepage

• High indoor humidity

• Poor ventilation

• Condensation around windows or HVAC equipment

Simply cleaning visible mold without correcting the moisture source often results in the mold returning.

How Is Mold Tested?

A professional mold inspection focuses on identifying both mold growth and the conditions allowing it to grow.

A thorough inspection may include:

Visual Inspection

Areas of visible mold, water staining, discoloration, and previous water damage are carefully evaluated.

Thermal Imaging

Infrared thermal imaging helps identify temperature differences that may indicate hidden moisture behind walls, ceilings, or flooring without causing damage to the home. At Attentive Home Inspection, thermal imaging is included with every home inspection to help identify hidden moisture concerns before they become costly problems.

Moisture Meter Testing

Moisture meters measure the moisture content of building materials to locate active leaks or damp areas that are not visible.

Air Sampling

Indoor air samples are compared with an outdoor control sample to determine whether elevated mold spores are present inside the home.

Surface Sampling

Tape lifts or swab samples may be collected from visible growth for laboratory identification.

Can Mold Testing Identify the "Deadly Mold" Seen in the News?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners have after seeing recent headlines.

Professional residential mold testing is designed to identify elevated mold levels, determine the types of mold commonly present in a home, and help locate moisture-related problems that support mold growth.

In most cases, laboratory analysis identifies mold by genus, such as:

• Aspergillus/Penicillium

• Cladosporium

• Alternaria

• Chaetomium

• Stachybotrys

Identifying a specific fungal species—such as Aspergillus fumigatus—typically requires specialized laboratory methods used for medical diagnosis, research, or industrial investigations.

For homeowners, the exact species is usually less important than determining whether abnormal mold growth is present and identifying the moisture source allowing it to grow. Regardless of the species, visible mold growth or elevated indoor mold levels should be investigated, the source of moisture corrected, and any necessary remediation performed.

Should You Have Your Home Tested?

Professional mold testing may be appropriate if:

• You notice a musty odor.

• You've experienced water damage.

• Your basement has flooded.

• You discover visible mold growth.

• You suspect hidden moisture behind walls.

• You're purchasing a home.

• You're selling a home after previous water damage.

• Occupants experience unexplained allergy-like symptoms while inside the home.

Prevention Is the Best Protection

The best way to reduce indoor mold is to control moisture.

Homeowners should:

• Repair leaks promptly.

• Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50%.

• Vent bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

• Maintain gutters and downspouts.

• Address foundation drainage issues.

• Dry wet building materials within 24 to 48 hours whenever possible.

Protect Your Home with a Professional Mold Inspection

Most mold problems can be successfully addressed when discovered early.

A professional Chicago mold inspection helps identify hidden moisture, locate conditions that promote mold growth, and provide objective laboratory testing when needed. When combined with thermal imaging and moisture meter testing, homeowners gain a clearer understanding of the condition of their property.

At Attentive Home Inspection, LLC, we believe that finding mold is only part of the process. Finding why it's growing is what protects your investment.

Every home inspection includes thermal imaging at no additional cost, and we also offer professional mold inspections, mold testing and moisture intrusion evaluations throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

If you're concerned about mold after a leak, flood, or water damage—or simply want peace of mind before buying or selling a home—we're here to help.

Schedule Your Inspection

Billy Cales

Owner | Certified Professional Inspector®Illinois Licensed Home Inspector

IAC2 Certified Mold Inspector

Illinois Licensed Radon Measurement Professional

Attentive Home Inspection, LLC🌐 www.ahinspection.com

Helping Chicago homeowners protect their homes through education, thorough inspections, and attention to detail.