What Health Hazards Can Mold Cause?
In caves, forests and other environments, mold and fungus breaks down rotting plant and animal matter and enriches the soil around it, but it can bring its share of significant health trouble if you let it to grow in your home. Thankfully, most kinds of mold is typically easy to ignore, however a tiny splotch can grow to bigger proportions. Mold reproduces using spores that are freed into the air and causes illness when breathed in by people with sensitivities or breathing issues. A few studies have also discovered a correlation between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children. Household mold is not a problem for many people, but can hurt more sensitive groups. In most cases, the density of the mold and sensitivity of a person's allergies has the most effect on their response. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and typical cold-like symptoms are most often experienced with mold allergies, making it hard to target the problem accurately. More serious allergies may result in harsh reactions such as shortness of breath. Those with asthma must be especially careful around high concentrations of mold because it can cause asthma attacks. Other groups at risk include:- Infants and children
- The elderly
- Those with a weak immune system
- Anyone with severe pulmonary disease
Where Mold can be Found
Typically found in damp areas, mildew and mold can build up over time. Mold enters your home through any opening, such as doors left open, open windows, vents and air conditioning and heating systems. Mold doesn't only invade your home through open doors and windows-- it can also fasten onto your clothes, knapsacks, pets and shoes and be brought indoors. If the amount of mold in your home exceeds normal levels, it can impact the health of your family, your possessions and the building itself. Mold typically grows 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
How to Prevent Mold in your Home
When it comes to stopping mold from getting into your home, there are certain preventative steps you can take. We suggest the following:- Create ventilation for showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Manage the humidity levels
- In the case of flooding, meticulously clean and dry your home
- Immediately fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes
- Call professional mold damage repair specialists for affordable mold damage restoration