What Health Dangers Can Mold Cause?
In nature, mold deteriorates rotting plant and animal matter and enriches the surrounding soil, but it can bring its share of major health issues when it starts growing in your home. Thankfully, most types of mold are typically innocent, however a tiny patch may later turn into a big issue. Mold reproduces using spores that are freed into the air and causes problems if inhaled by people with mold allergies or respiratory issues. A few studies have also found a link between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children. Common mold is not a problem for most folks, but can hurt more sensitive groups. In most cases, the amount of mold and degree of someone's allergies has the most effect on their reaction. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and similar flu-like reactions are most often associated with mold allergies, making it difficult to target the problem accurately. The most serious reactions include difficulty breathing. Anyone with asthma should be especially careful around high concentrations of mold as it can cause asthma attacks. Additional sensitive groups at risk include:- Infants and kids
- Those 65 and up
- Those with a weak immune system
- Those with chronic pulmonary disease
Mold in the Home
Mildew and mold can grow bigger over time in damp areas. Mold can find its way into your home through open doorways, windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold doesn't only invade a home through windows and doors. It can attach onto your clothes, purses, pets and shoes and be brought your home. If the amount of mold in your home exceeds normal levels, it can affect the health of your family, 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 Can I Prevent Mold from Growing?
You can take preventative steps to make sure that mold doesn't make its way into your home. We suggest doing the following:- Build in ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Manage the humidity levels in your home
- In the case of a flood, carefully clean and dry your home
- Patch up leaky roofs, windows and pipes
- Talk to professional mold damage restoration specialists for affordable mold removal
