Is Living in a House with Mold Dangerous?
While mold is important in nature, it is a pest in your house. Fortunately, most types of mold are typically easy to ignore, however sometimes a small patch can spread across your home. When mold reproduces, it releases spores into the air which can cause illness if inhaled by people with mold allergies or breathing issues. A few studies have also found a link between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children. For most, household mold, mildew or fungi is nontoxic and goes undetected. Unfortunately, it can hurt other folks who are allergy prone and who have asthma. Mold allergies are common for many people and flair up at different times depending on the concentration of mold. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and typical flu-like symptoms are normally seen with mold allergies, making it hard to target the problem correctly. More severe allergies may result in harsh reactions such as difficulty breathing. Mold can also trigger asthma attacks too. Other groups at risk include:- Babies and children
- Those 65 and up
- Those with a weak immune system
- Anyone with chronic lung disease
Where Can you Find Mold?
Mold and mildew can build up over time in damp areas. A home can get a mold infestation through open doors, windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold doesn't only invade a home through windows and doors-- it can attach onto your clothes, purses, pets and shoes and be brought indoors. If the amount of mold in your home continues to grow, it can affect the health of your family, your possessions and the structure itself. Mold usually grows in wet 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
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:- Build in ventilation in showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Manage the humidity levels
- In the case of a flood, clean and dry your home carefully
- Promptly fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes
- Call your local mold damage restoration contractors for affordable mold remediation