Is Living in a House with Mold Hazardous?
While mold is important in nature, it can be a pest in your home. Luckily, most kinds of mold is typically innocent, however sometimes a tiny spot can grow to large proportions. Mold reproduces with the use of spores that are released into the air and causes problems when inhaled by people with allergies or asthma. 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 mold is innocuous and goes undetected. Unfortunately, it can have an effect on other folks who are sensitive or who have breathing issues. In most cases, the density of the mold and degree of someone's allergies will effect their reaction. If you have a mold allergy, you'll likely sneeze, have a runny nose, cough, red eyes, wheeze, skin irritations or a headache when mold is nearby. The most severe reactions include short breath. Mold and mildew can also trigger asthma attacks too. Other groups at risk include:- Babies and children
- Seniors
- Those with a weak immune system
- Those with serious pulmonary disease
Where Mold can be Found
Mold and mildew does grow bigger over time in damp places. A house can get a mold infestation through open doorways, windows, vents and HVAC systems. Mold doesn't only enter a house through windows and doors-- it can attach onto your clothes, backpacks, pets and shoes and be brought 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 places you may not think to look. These include:- Paper products
- Ceiling tiles
- Cardboard
- Wood products
- Paints
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Upholstery
Mold Prevention
You can take precautions to ensure that mold won't grow in your house. Here's some steps you can take:- Install ventilation in showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Monitor the humidity levels
- In the case of a flood, carefully clean and dry your house
- Immediately mend leaky roofs, windows or pipes
- Talk to professional mold damage repair specialists for affordable mold remediation
