Is Living in a Home with Mold Dangerous?
In caves, forests and other environments, mold and fungus processes dead plant and animal matter and deposits nutrients into the soil around it, but it can bring its share of major health problems if it grows in your home. Luckily, most kinds of mold are generally harmless, but a small spot can grow to large proportions. When mold procreates, it releases particles into the air which can cause illness 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. Household mold is harmless for a majority of folks, but can hurt more sensitive groups. Usually, the density of the mold and severity of someone's allergies has the most effect on their response. If you have a mold allergy, you'll likely have cold-like symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose when you're around mold. The most serious reactions include difficulty breathing. Mold and mildew can be particularly triggering for asthma attacks too. Additional groups at risk include:- Babies and toddlers
- Those 65 and up
- Immune sensitive individuals
- Those with severe pulmonary disease
Where Can you Find Mold?
Often found in moist places, mold and mildew can build up over time. Mold can get into your your home through any opening, such as doors left open, windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold doesn't only invade a home through doors and windows-- it can attach onto your clothes, bags, pets and shoes and be brought indoors. Mold growth doesn't only affect your family's health-- it can affect your possessions and the structure itself. Mold usually 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
Mold Prevention
There are precautions you can take to in order to stop mold from growing in your home. We suggest doing the following:- Install ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Monitor the humidity levels in your home
- If it floods, carefully clean and dry your home
- Immediately mend leaky roofs, windows or pipes
- Call your local mold damage restoration contractors for affordable mold removal