What Health Hazards Can Mold Cause?
While mold is important in the ecosystem, it can be a reason for concern if it invades your home. Luckily, most types of mold is generally harmless, however a small splotch may later turn into a big problem. Mold reproduces using spores that are released into the air and causes illness when breathed in by those with mold 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. Common mold or mildew is harmless for a majority of folks, but can hurt more sensitive groups. Mold allergies are common for many people and flair up on different occasions depending on the concentration of mold. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and similar cold-like reactions are most often experienced with mold allergies, making it hard to pinpoint correctly. More severe allergies may result in harsh reactions like short breath. Those with asthma need to be particularly cautious around high concentrations of mold because it can cause asthma attacks. Other groups at risk include:- Infants and children
- Those 65 and up
- Those with a weak immune system
- Anyone with chronic lung disease
Where Mold can be Found
Often found in damp places, mildew and mold does build up over time. Your house can get a mold infestation through open doorways, windows, vents and air conditioning and heating systems. Mold doesn't only invade a house through doors and windows-- it can also latch onto your clothes, purses, pets and shoes and be moved your house. Mold growth can affect your family's health, as well as your possessions and the structure itself. Mold growth usually occurs 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 to Prevent Mold
There are precautions you can take to ensure that mold won't grow in your house. We suggest the following:- Install ventilation for bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Manage the humidity levels
- In the case of a flood, meticulously clean and dry your house
- Patch up leaky roofs, windows and pipes immediately
- Call professional mold damage repair contractors for affordable mold removal