Is Living in a Home with Mold Hazardous?
In caves, forests and other environments, mold deteriorates dead organic material and deposits nutrients into the surrounding soil, but it can bring its share of serious health issues when it starts growing in your home. Fortunately, most types of mold is generally harmless, but sometimes a small patch may later become a huge issue. When mold reproduces, it frees particles into the air which can cause sickness when inhaled by anyone with sensitivities or asthma. According to a few studies, there might be a correlation between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children. For many people, garden variety mold, mildew or fungi is nontoxic and goes unnoticed. Unfortunately, it can impact other folks who are sensitive and who have breathing conditions. Overall, the amount of mold and severity of someone's allergies will effect their reaction. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and typical flu-like symptoms are normally seen with mold and mildew allergies, making it difficult to pinpoint accurately. More severe allergies can cause harsh reactions such as shortness of breath. Anyone with asthma should be especially careful around large populations of mold as it can cause asthma attacks. Additional groups at risk include:- Infants and children
- Those 65 and up
- Immune compromised individuals
- People with chronic pulmonary disease
Where Can you Find Mold?
Often found in moist areas, mildew and mold does grow bigger over time. Mold can find its way into your home through doors left open, open windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold doesn't only enter a home through open doors and windows. It can also attach onto your clothes, bags, pets and shoes and be moved indoors. Mold growth doesn't only affect your family's physical well-being-- it can affect your possessions and the building 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 your Home
You can take certain precautions to make sure that mold won't grow in your home. We suggest doing the following:- Build in ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Manage the humidity levels
- If there's a flood, carefully clean and dry your home
- Immediately patch up leaky roofs, windows and pipes
- Contact your local mold damage repair specialists for affordable mold removal