Is Living in a House with Mold Dangerous?
While mold is important in nature, it is a reason for concern if it invades your house. Luckily, most types of mold are generally innocent, but a little splotch can spread across your home. When mold procreates, it frees particles into the air which can cause problems if inhaled by people with mold sensitivities or breathing issues. A few studies have also found a correlation between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children. For most, garden variety mildew or mold is harmless and goes unnoticed. Unfortunately, it can hurt other folks who are allergy prone or who have breathing problems. In most cases, the concentration of mold and sensitivity of someone's allergies has the most effect on their response. If you are allergic to mold, you'll likely have cold-like symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose when mold is nearby. More severe allergies may result in harsh reactions such as shortness of breath. Those with asthma must be particularly careful around large populations of mold as it can cause asthma attacks. Other groups at risk include:- Babies and toddlers
- The elderly
- Immune sensitive individuals
- People with serious pulmonary disease
Where Can you Find Mold?
Typically found in moist places, mildew and mold will build up over time. Your home can get a mold infestation through doors left ajar, open windows, vents and air conditioning and heating systems. Mold doesn't only invade a home through open windows and doors-- it can fasten onto your clothes, purses, 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 wet places, but it can be found in unexpected places. These include:- Paper products
- Ceiling tiles
- Cardboard
- Wood products
- Paints
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Upholstery
How Can I Stop Mold in the House?
There are preventative steps you can take to ensure that mold won't grow in your home. Here's some steps you can take:- Set up ventilation in showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Manage the humidity levels in your home
- If it floods, clean and dry your home carefully
- Promptly mend leaky roofs, windows or pipes
- Contact professional mold damage restoration specialists for affordable mold damage restoration
