The Health Dangers of Mold
While mold is important in the natural world, it is a problem in your house. Luckily, most types of mold are generally innocent, but sometimes a tiny splotch can grow to bigger proportions. When mold reproduces, it frees spores into the air which can cause problems if breathed in by anyone with allergies 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 harmless for most folks, but can be harmful for those with respiratory conditions. These allergies are seen in a lot of the population and strike at different times based on the amount of mold. If you are allergic to mold, you'll probably have cold-like symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose when you're around mold. More serious allergies can cause harsh reactions such as shortness of breath. Those with asthma need to be particularly careful around large populations of mold as it can cause asthma attacks. Other groups at risk include:- Babies and children
- Those 65 and up
- Immune compromised individuals
- People with chronic lung disease
Mold in the Home
Mold and mildew does grow bigger over time in damp places. A home can get a mold infestation through open doors, open windows, vents and air conditioning and heating systems. Mold doesn't only invade a home through open windows and doors. It can also fasten onto your clothes, backpacks, pets and shoes and be brought your home. When the amount of mold in your home exceeds normal levels, it can affect the physical well-being of your family, your possessions and the structure itself. Mold usually grows in moist places, but it can be found in places you might not think to look. These include:- Paper products
- Ceiling tiles
- Cardboard
- Wood products
- Paints
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Upholstery
Mold Prevention
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 in showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Manage the humidity levels in your home
- In the case of a flood, clean and dry your home carefully
- Fix leaky roofs, windows or pipes immediately
- Contact professional mold damage restoration specialists for affordable mold remediation