Is Living in a Home with Mold Hazardous?
While mold plays a big role in nature, it is a pest in your house. Fortunately, most types of mold are generally harmless, however sometimes a little spot can grow to bigger proportions. Mold reproduces with the use of spores that are freed into the air and causes problems if breathed in by people with sensitivities 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, household mold, mildew or fungi isn't harmful or even noticeable. That said, it can impact other folks who are allergy prone and who have asthma. These mold sensitivities are common for a lot of the population and hit on different occasions based on the concentration of mold. If you are allergic to mold, you'll likely sneeze, have a runny nose, cough, red eyes, wheeze, a skin rash or a headache when mold is nearby. More serious allergies can cause harsh reactions such as shortness of breath. Those with asthma need to be particularly careful near high concentrations of mold as it can cause asthma attacks. Additional sensitive groups at risk include:- Babies and children
- Those 65 and up
- Immune compromised individuals
- Those with chronic pulmonary disease
Where Can you Find Mold?
Mildew and mold can build up over time in damp places. Mold enters your house through open doorways, open windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold doesn't only enter your house through open windows and doors. It can also latch onto your clothes, purses, animals and shoes and be brought indoors. Mold growth doesn't only affect your family's physical well-being-- it can affect your possessions and the building itself. Mold can grow in moist 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
Mold Prevention
When it comes to stopping mold from getting into your home, there are certain precautions you can take. Here's some steps you can take:- Install ventilation for showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Control the humidity levels in your house
- In the case of flooding, carefully clean and dry your house
- Promptly fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes
- Talk to Paul Davis mold damage repair contractors for affordable mold remediation