What Health Hazards Can Mold Cause?
In the wild, mold processes decaying plant and animal matter and enriches the surrounding soil, but it can bring its share of serious health problems if you let it to live in your house. Luckily, most types of mold are typically innocent, but a little splotch may later turn into a huge issue. Mold reproduces with the use of spores that are released into the air and causes illness when inhaled by those with mold allergies or respiratory issues. A few studies have also discovered a link between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children. Common mold is nontoxic for most folks, but can be harmful for those with respiratory issues. In most cases, the density of the mold and degree of a person's allergies will effect their response. If you have a mold allergy, you'll probably have cold-like symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose when you're around mold. The most serious reactions include shortness of breath. Those with asthma need to be especially careful around high concentrations of mold as it can cause asthma attacks. Other groups at risk include:- Infants and children
- The elderly
- Those with a weak immune system
- Anyone with serious pulmonary disease
Mold in the House
Usually found in damp areas, mildew and mold does grow bigger over time. Mold can find its way into your home through open doors, open windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold doesn't only invade your home through open doors and windows. It can fasten onto your clothes, purses, pets and shoes and be brought indoors. The growth of mold will affect the physical well-being of your family, your possessions and the structure itself. Mold can grow in moist places, but it can be found in unexpected places. These include:- Paper products
- Ceiling tiles
- Cardboard
- Wood products
- Paints
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Upholstery
How to Stop Mold in the House
There are preventative steps you can take to in order to stop mold from infesting your home. We suggest doing the following:- Install ventilation in showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Monitor the humidity levels
- In the case of flooding, clean and dry your home meticulously
- Promptly patch up leaky roofs, windows or pipes
- Talk to your local mold damage restoration specialists for affordable mold remediation