Is Living in a House with Mold Hazardous?
While mold is important in the ecosystem, it can be a reason for concern if it enters your house. Thankfully, most types of mold are generally easy to ignore, however sometimes a small splotch may later turn into a huge problem. Mold reproduces with the use of spores that are freed into the air and causes illness if breathed in by those with mold allergies or asthma. According to a few studies, there might be a correlation between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children. For most, garden variety mildew or mold isn't harmful or even obvious. However, it can impact other people who are allergy prone and who have asthma. In most cases, the density of the mold and severity of someone's allergies will effect their reaction. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and similar flu-like symptoms are usually associated with mold allergies, making it difficult to pinpoint accurately. The most serious reactions include difficulty breathing. Those with asthma need to be especially cautious around high concentrations of mold because it may trigger asthma attacks. Additional groups at risk include:- Infants and kids
- Those 65 and up
- Immune sensitive individuals
- Anyone with severe lung disease
Mold in the House
Typically found in damp areas, mildew and mold does grow bigger over time. Your house can get a mold infestation through doors left ajar, windows, vents and HVAC systems. Mold doesn't only invade your house through doors and windows. It can attach onto your clothes, knapsacks, pets and shoes and be brought indoors. When the amount of mold in your house exceeds normal levels, it can affect the physical well-being of your family, your possessions and the building itself. Mold commonly 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 Can I Prevent Mold from Growing?
When it comes to stopping mold from getting into your home, there are certain precautions you can take. We suggest the following:- Install ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Monitor the humidity levels in your house
- If it floods, clean and dry your house carefully
- Fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes right away
- Talk to Paul Davis mold damage repair contractors for affordable mold removal