What Health Dangers Can Mold Cause?
In the wild, mold breaks down decaying plant and animal matter and enriches the surrounding soil, but it can bring its share of significant health trouble if it spreads in your house. Luckily, most types of mold are generally innocent, but sometimes a little splotch may later turn into a big problem. Mold reproduces using spores that are freed into the air and causes problems if inhaled by those with mold allergies 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 many people, garden variety mildew or mold is nontoxic and goes undetected. However, it can affect other folks who are allergy prone and who have lung conditions. These allergies are seen in a lot of the population and strike on various occasions depending on the concentration of mold. If you are allergic to mold, you'll likely sneeze, have a runny nose, cough, red eyes, wheeze, a skin rash or a migraine when mold is nearby. More serious allergies can cause harsh reactions like short breath. Mold and mildew can be especially triggering for asthma attacks too. Other groups at risk include:- Babies and children
- The elderly
- Those with a weak immune system
- Anyone with serious pulmonary disease
Mold in the House
Mold and mildew can build up over time in damp areas. 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 fasten onto your clothes, knapsacks, pets and shoes and be moved indoors. Mold growth will affect your family's health, as well as your possessions and the building itself. Mold can grow in moist 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 House
There are precautions you can take to make sure that mold won't grow in your house. We suggest doing the following:- Install ventilation in showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Monitor the humidity levels
- If there's a flood, meticulously clean and dry your house
- Mend leaky roofs, windows and pipes as soon as possible
- Call your local mold damage restoration contractors for affordable mold remediation
