Is Living in a Home with Mold Hazardous?
In the wild, mold, mildew and fungus processes decaying plant and animal matter and deposits nutrients into the surrounding soil, but it can bring its share of major health issues if it blooms in your house. Thankfully, most types of mold are typically innocent, however a small patch can spread across your home. Mold reproduces with the use of spores that are freed into the air and causes sickness if inhaled by people with sensitivities or asthma. 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 or mildew is nontoxic for a majority of folks, but can affect more sensitive groups. These mold sensitivities are common for many of the population and hit on different occasions depending on the concentration of mold. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and other flu-like reactions are normally associated with mold and mildew allergies, making it hard to pinpoint correctly. More severe allergies can cause harsh reactions like short breath. Those with asthma need to be particularly cautious around large populations of mold because it may trigger asthma attacks. Additional groups at risk include:- Infants and kids
- Those 65 and up
- Those with a weak immune system
- Anyone with serious lung disease
Where is Mold Found?
Mold and mildew does grow bigger over time in damp places. Your home can get a mold infestation through open doorways, windows, vents and air conditioning and heating systems. Mold doesn't only invade your home through windows and doors. It can latch onto your clothes, purses, animals and shoes and be moved your home. Mold growth doesn't only affect your family's health-- it can affect your possessions and the structure itself. Mold can grow in wet places, but it can be found in places you may not expect. These include:- Paper products
- Ceiling tiles
- Cardboard
- Wood products
- Paints
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Upholstery
How Can I Prevent Mold in your Home?
When it comes to stopping mold from getting into your home, there are preventative steps you can take. We suggest doing the following:- Install ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Monitor 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 right away
- Call professional mold damage restoration specialists for affordable mold removal
