What is the Danger of Living in a House with Mold?
In nature, mold breaks down dead plant and animal matter and enriches the surrounding soil, but it can cause major health issues if it spreads in your house. Thankfully, most kinds of mold is generally innocent, but sometimes a little patch can spread across your home. Mold reproduces using spores that are freed into the air and causes problems when inhaled by those with sensitivities or respiratory issues. According to a few studies, there is a correlation between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children. For most, garden variety mold, mildew or fungi is harmless and goes undetected. However, it can hurt other people who are allergy prone or who have respiratory conditions. These mold sensitivities are seen in many of the population and strike on different occasions depending on the density of mold. If you have a mold allergy, you'll likely have cold-like symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose when you're near mold. The most serious reactions include short breath. Those with asthma need to be particularly cautious near large populations of mold because it can cause asthma attacks. Additional sensitive groups at risk include:- Babies and children
- Those 65 and up
- Those with a weak immune system
- Those with chronic lung disease
Where is Mold Found?
Typically found in damp areas, mildew and mold can build up over time. Mold can get into your your home through any opening, such as open doorways, open windows, vents and HVAC systems. Mold doesn't only invade your home through open doors and windows. It can also fasten onto your clothes, bags, animals 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 structure itself. Mold growth commonly occurs in moist places, but it can be found in places you might not expect. These include:- Paper products
- Ceiling tiles
- Cardboard
- Wood products
- Paints
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Upholstery
How Can I Prevent Mold?
There are preventative steps you can take to make sure that mold doesn't make its way into your home. Here's some easy steps you can take:- Set up ventilation in showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Monitor the humidity levels
- In the case of a flood, carefully clean and dry your home
- Patch up leaky roofs, windows or pipes right away
- Contact your local mold damage restoration specialists for affordable mold removal
