Mold is more than a cosmetic issue; it can also harm one’s health. Mold spores trigger some people’s allergies, breathing problems, and chronic illnesses.
To keep your home healthy, inspect basements and crawl spaces for signs of moisture. Moisture meters and thermal imaging can assist in identifying high-humidity areas.
Allergies
Mold spores are found in the air both indoors and outdoors. When inhaled, mold spores irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. These irritations resemble symptoms of hay fever or seasonal allergies. The spores can trigger an attack if a person already has a chronic lung condition such as asthma.
Some types of mold, particularly Aspergillus and Cladosporium, can produce mycotoxins, which are poisonous to humans and animals. These toxins are heat-resistant and can be found in bread, vegetables, grains, cheeses, yogurt, milk, and leftovers. Inhalation of these toxins may lead to nausea, fatigue, headaches, and coughing.
People with low immune systems, such as the elderly or infants, are more vulnerable to severe mold infection. Some studies have also suggested that children can be at risk of developing asthma if they are exposed to mold as infants. No blood test can diagnose a possible allergy to mold spores. Mold allergies can include red and watery eyes, a sore throat, a runny nose, itching, and a rash.
Respiratory Issues
Mold spores are small and can spread through air conditioning, heating systems, and open windows and doors. They can also stick to shoes, clothing, and pets. When these spores enter your body, they can irritate the respiratory system and cause sinus infections, allergies, skin irritation, throat inflammation, and bronchitis. In addition, inhaling these spores can trigger asthma symptoms and make them worse.
As a result, these spores can lead to severe health problems in people with preexisting respiratory conditions, especially children and the elderly. Mold spores can lead to lung infection and increase the risk of pneumonia. In addition, prolonged exposure to black mold spores can weaken the immune system. It can also cause the lungs to lose elasticity, making breathing harder.
It is essential to be aware of the health risks of living with mold and to protect your family by avoiding damp environments. When you discover a problem, contacting mold remediation companies in New Jersey to assess the situation and provide recommendations is best. If you decide to tackle the problem, always wear protective eyewear, gloves, face mask, or respirator. This will prevent the inhalation of spores. Always check for the source of the problem, such as a leak or moisture issue, and properly clean all affected areas.
Chronic Health Issues
Inhaling mold spores can lead to several health issues, depending on how much spores are inhaled, the person’s sensitivities and allergies, and whether they have preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma. The most prevalent symptoms are nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, skin itching, and sinus pressure.
Repeated mold exposure can result in more severe reactions, such as a fever, headache, and exhaustion. Certain molds, such as Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), have been known to produce mycotoxins under certain conditions, leading to more severe health problems.
Wet cellulose materials like wood and paper are most conducive to mold growth. Open windows, doors, and ventilation systems can bring mold spores into the home. They can enter through porous surfaces, such as carpeting and wallpaper, or attach to clothing, shoes, or pets. Once inside the home, mold can grow on walls, ceilings, furniture, and other household items. It may appear as discoloration or staining or have a musty odor.
Unexplained stains, peeling paint on walls and ceilings, or signs of moisture damage such as wet drywall or carpeting can indicate hidden mold. Regular visual inspections and careful attention to humidity control can help prevent the spread of mold in your home. Repair leaks and ensure proper ventilation to control indoor humidity levels.
Mold Removal
The best way to avoid health problems caused by mold is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Mold growth in homes and businesses often indicates a problem with moisture, such as water damage, which should be fixed immediately to prevent mold and other fungus from taking hold. The main thing to do is remove any moisture-related items, such as drywall, carpet, insulation, and ceiling tiles.
Correcting the conditions causing the moisture is essential, such as fixing leaks, reducing indoor humidity levels, ventilating rooms, and cleaning frequently to prevent mold from forming. A professional should be consulted for the most thorough inspection and remediation of mold infestations, as certain kinds can pose serious health risks, especially to infants, children, older people, and people with compromised immune systems.
Conclusion
Mold may be visible on walls, floors, and ceilings as dark spots or a fuzzy or slimy texture. It can also give off a musty odor. Symptoms of mold exposure may include coughing, wheezing, and a runny nose, but in extreme cases, it can lead to fungal infections or even memory loss and pulmonary hemorrhaging.
Mold is also known to cause skin rashes and eye irritations in some people. It is essential to wear protective eyewear and masks, gloves, filter face masks, and a long-sleeved shirt and pants when cleaning up areas that are heavily contaminated by mold.
