Is Living in a Home with Mold Hazardous?
While mold plays a big part in the ecosystem, it can be a problem in your house. Fortunately, most kinds of mold are generally harmless, however sometimes a tiny splotch can grow to large proportions. When mold procreates, it releases spores into the air which can cause problems when breathed in by anyone with allergies or breathing issues. A few studies have also discovered a link between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children. Household mold or mildew is harmless for most people, but can affect more sensitive groups. These mold allergies are seen in many people and hit at various times depending on the concentration of mold. If you are allergic to mold, you'll probably sneeze, have a runny nose, cough, red eyes, wheeze, skin irritations or a migraine when mold is nearby. The most severe reactions include difficulty breathing. Those with asthma need to be particularly careful near large populations of mold as it may trigger asthma attacks. Other groups at risk include:- Babies and children
- Those 65 and up
- Those with a weak immune system
- Anyone with chronic lung disease
Mold in the Home
Mold and mildew can build up over time in moist places. Mold can get into your your house through open doorways, open windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold doesn't only enter a house through open windows and doors. It can also latch onto your clothes, knapsacks, animals and shoes and be brought indoors. The growth of mold will impact the physical well-being of your family, your possessions and the structure itself. Mold usually grows in moist places, but it can be found in places you might not think to look. These include:- Paper products
- Ceiling tiles
- Cardboard
- Wood products
- Paints
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Upholstery
How to Prevent Mold in your Home
When it comes to stopping mold from getting into your home, there are preventative steps you can take. We suggest the following:- Set up ventilation for bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
- Control the humidity levels in your house
- If it floods, carefully clean and dry your house
- Immediately mend leaky roofs, windows and pipes
- Contact Paul Davis mold damage repair specialists for affordable mold damage restoration