What are the Health Dangers of Mold?

In nature, mold, mildew and fungus breaks down dead plant and animal matter and deposits nutrients into the soil around it, but it can bring its share of serious health trouble if it grows in your house. Fortunately, most kinds of mold are generally harmless, however a small splotch can spread across your home. When mold reproduces, it releases spores into the air which can cause illness when breathed in by those with mold sensitivities or asthma. A few studies have also found a link between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children.

For a majority of people, household mildew or mold is innocuous and goes undetected. Unfortunately, it can impact other people who are sensitive or who have respiratory problems. In most cases, the amount of mold and sensitivity of a person’s allergies will effect their response. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and other flu-like symptoms are usually associated with mold and mildew allergies, making it difficult to target the problem accurately. More severe allergies can cause harsh reactions such as difficulty breathing. Anyone with asthma should be particularly careful around large populations of mold as it can cause asthma attacks. Other sensitive groups at risk include:

  • Babies and children
  • Seniors
  • Those with a weak immune system
  • Those with chronic lung disease

Mold in the Home

Often found in damp places, mildew and mold can build up over time. Your home can get a mold infestation through doors left open, windows, vents and HVAC systems. Mold doesn’t only invade your home through windows and doors. It can latch onto your clothes, backpacks, pets and shoes and be brought indoors.

Mold growth will affect your family’s health, as well as your possessions and the structure 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

How Can I Stop Mold in the Home?

There are certain precautions you can take to make sure that mold won’t grow in your home. Here’s some easy steps you can take:

  • Build in ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
  • Monitor the humidity levels in your home
  • In the case of a flood, carefully clean and dry your home
  • Patch up leaky roofs, windows or pipes immediately
  • Talk to professional mold damage restoration specialists for affordable mold removal

Call Us Today for 24/7 Emergency Mold Damage Restoration Services

Do you suspect that there’s a mold infestation in your home that’s too much for you to tackle by yourself? Call the mold removal professionals at Paul Davis. Call Paul! (603) 727-4440 for affordable mold removal.