Is Living in a Home with Mold Dangerous?
In the wild, mold, mildew and fungus processes dead material and deposits nutrients into the surrounding soil, but it can bring its share of major health problems if you allow it to live in your home. Fortunately, most types of mold are generally harmless, however a small splotch may later become a huge problem. When mold procreates, it releases spores into the air which can cause problems when inhaled by people with mold sensitivities 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, mildew or fungi is innocuous and goes undetected. Unfortunately, it can hurt other folks who are allergy prone and who have asthma. Overall, the amount of mold and sensitivity of a person's allergies will effect their reaction. If you have a mold allergy, you'll probably sneeze, have a runny nose, cough, red eyes, wheeze, a skin rash or a migraine when mold is nearby. The most serious reactions include difficulty breathing. Anyone with asthma should be particularly cautious near large populations of mold because it can cause asthma attacks. Other sensitive groups at risk include:- Infants and toddlers
- The elderly
- Those with a weak immune system
- Anyone with chronic lung disease
Mold in the Home
Typically found in damp places, mildew and mold does grow bigger over time. Your home can get a mold infestation through doors left open, windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold doesn't only enter a home through windows and doors-- it can fasten onto your clothes, knapsacks, animals and shoes and be moved your home. Mold growth doesn't only affect your family's physical well-being-- it can affect your possessions and the building itself. Mold commonly grows in moist places, but it can be found in unexpected places. These include:- Paper products
- Ceiling tiles
- Cardboard
- Wood products
- Paints
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Upholstery
How Can I Stop Mold in the Home?
When it comes to stopping mold from getting into your home, there are precautions you can take. Here's some easy steps you can take:- Set up ventilation for bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Manage the humidity levels
- In the case of flooding, clean and dry your home carefully
- Mend leaky roofs, windows and pipes
- Call your local mold damage repair specialists for affordable mold removal