How Mold Can Affect Your Health

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Mold has always been with us, and always will be, both on surfaces and in our air. Mold is millions of years old and grows wherever there might be moisture—even in our homes and businesses. When we are exposed to damp, moldy environments, our health can often be adversely affected. Some of us are especially sensitive to mold and can experience serious problems.

In many cases, a person might experience skin or throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, nasal congestion, and even irritation to the skin and eyes. Someone who is allergic to molds and those with compromised immune systems or suffering from lung disease can contract serious infections in their lungs through mold exposure. These individuals should avoid areas that are prone to mold growth. These include the woods, cut grass, and composting piles.       

There is some evidence linking exposure to mold indoors with upper respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy people, and the effects can be even more severe on children. In fact, some studies suggest that there may be a potential link of early mold exposure to a later development of asthma in some children, especially those who are already more susceptible to its development.    

Mold is found indoors and outdoors, and it can enter your home anywhere that air is able to. It will attach itself to you, your clothing and accessories, and even your pets. It grows anywhere there is a lot of moisture and can be found around roof leaks, piping, windows, or areas that have experienced flooding. It grows quickly on paper products, your ceiling and its tiles, and products made of wood, as well as on paint and wallpaper, insulation, carpet, and fabrics.     

You can control mold growth in your home or business by controlling humidity levels, cleaning and drying thoroughly after flooding, and promptly fixing leaks in roofs, windows, and piping. Ventilation in areas where you use a lot of water, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms will go a long way towards handling and preventing mold from establishing a colony. Once a colony has started, it can never be completely eradicated. After all, mold has been around for millions of years already; it’s a survivor.

If you or someone you know is dealing with health issues caused by mold, contact a professional immediately to start the mold remediation process. Don’t suffer from the effects of mold any longer! Here at SERVPRO of Huron & East Seneca Counties, we are mold remediation experts, and we’re here to help you 24/7.