Health Risks of Mold
Mold in The Home Can Be Dangerous
Risks of Mold
Mold appears in the environment as a natural occurrence and it is one of the oldest fungi in the world. In nature, mold is important because it helps with the decomposition process for matter such as rotting wood or leaves. However, in an indoor setting, mold can prove to be very detrimental to a person’s health. While the symptoms of mold can vary in severity—with some people showing adverse reactions and others showing only mild irritations (or none at all)—the dangers of mold are still significant. What’s more is that mold can even destroy the surfaces that it attaches to, resulting in hefty price tags for homeowners. Read on to learn more about some of the common health risks of indoor mold and how to immediately address a mold issue for better health outcomes. If you suspect that you have mold growing in your home you should contact a mold remediation service near you ASAP. Mold inspection services in NJ will be happy to inspect the problem and suggest a solution that will make your home a safer place to live.
Moisture in The Home May Cause Mold
What is Mold?
Mold is a form of fungus that thrives in environments that are warm, damp or moist. This means that mold can occur both indoors and outdoors when the moisture conditions are prolonged enough for it to reproduce. Mold, as a fungus, reproduces and grows in tiny spores. Unfortunately, these spores are not visible to the human eye. It is important to note that mold spores are mobile and can be easily carried into the home. They travel through the air and can even enter the home in a number of different ways including open windows, HVAC systems and vents. People and pets can carry mold spores indoors on their clothing or on their fur, respectively. When these spores land on a surface that is moist they begin to grow and multiply. The home can quickly become susceptible to mold if the moisture conditions are high enough inside the home to support the growth of the mold. Common areas where mold typically grows includes bathrooms, basements, crawlspaces as well as any area of the home that has a leak such as plumbing, the roof or outdoor drainage areas. Mold may also appear on windows as well as on refrigerator surfaces and on air conditioner units—these are areas where condensation typically accumulates.
How to Recognize Mold
Mold comes in a variety of colors including green, yellow, white, gray or black and can be easily spotted as growth appears as spots on surfaces. These spots are noticeable because they may have a fuzzy or velvet-like appearance that is unlike the rest of the surface and they will increase in size over time. Mold may also give off a musty or stale odor. For instance, mildew is one type of mold that grows in damp bathroom showers, stalls, tiles and shower curtains. Typically, mildew is white or gray in color. Other types of mold include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and the most common Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold). Black mold is the most harmful because it produces mycotoxins that can cause various irritations within the human body. These mycotoxins are easily absorbed into the skin, the lining of the intestine and the airways. While the true nature of prolonged exposure to mycotoxins is unknown, the presence of mold should be taken seriously nonetheless. Each of these types of mold can appear on many household surfaces including wood, drywall, wall paper, ceilings, carpet, upholstery and can even grow on dust particles that are on surfaces or in the air. No matter the type of mold that is present, it should be addressed immediately to prevent possible health complications.
Common Health Risks of Mold
There are many negative health implications to both short-term and long-term exposure to mold. Molds may produce allergens that can irritate the body and symptoms can manifest in a number of different ways. Mold itself is not poisonous, nor is it toxic, however it can result in health issues for homeowners, their children and their pets who are sensitive to mold and may develop reactions to it. There are some groups who are particularly sensitive to molds including infants, pregnant women, the elderly or others who have compromised immune systems. While individuals who are generally healthy are unaffected by mold, there are others who are very sensitive to the presence of mold within their homes. In fact, one of the most common types of health risk is an allergic reaction to mold. An allergic reaction can occur immediately or can appear after weeks or even months of exposure. Common symptoms may include the following:
· Throat Irritation. One of the most common types of allergic reactions to mold is throat irritation. This may include a scratchy throat and the constant clearing of the throat as the body attempts to expel the mold spores. Mold may also result in hoarseness in the voice. Remember, mold spores are airborne. This means they are being inhaled in and out by people as they speak and ingest food. When these spores accumulate within the throat and air passageways they result in irritation. It will be important to see a physician immediately if swelling of the throat occurs as this could result in compromised airways and interference with breathing.
· Nasal Congestion & Stuffiness. As the mold spores invade the airways and accumulate within them, the body’s natural reaction is the rid itself of such particles. This in turn results in nasal and sinus congestion, stuffiness and a runny nose as the body works hard to rid itself of these foreign elements.
· Coughing, Sneezing and Wheezing. Similarly, cough and wheezing are some of the body’s other natural reactions to the presence of foreign particles. Some people may also experience chest tightness. As mold spores irritate the airways, the immune system will kick in and the body will try to expel these particles from the body in the form of a cough, wheezing or sneezing.
· Asthma Attacks. Mold exposure is very harmful for those who have asthma and mold makes asthma symptoms much worse, even resulting in difficulty breathing. Asthma is a disease of the lungs that causes wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness within the chest. During an asthma attack the airways partially close. This is a serious condition that can be heightened by the presence of mold. When mold is breathed in, it ends up in the respiratory tract and has been known to directly trigger asthma attacks. An asthma attack has the potential to be life-threatening, so it is very important for those diagnosed with asthma to take mold very seriously. Hospitalization and intensive treatment may be necessary for those who have had an asthma attack due to mold exposure.
· Upper Respiratory Infections. Upper respiratory tract infections are another common health implication of mold exposure. As mold spores accumulate within the airways and lungs, they can result in infection that requires medical attention. Those with compromised immune systems (those with HIV/AIDS or going through chemotherapy) may face difficulties as will those persons with chronic lung disease who may develop serious infections within the lungs.
· Skin Irritation. People who are allergic to mold can often develop skin irritations such as rashes or hives that may result in redness or itchiness. Inflammation and swelling may also occur as the body reacts to the presence of the foreign mold spores. These irritations can lead to discomfort for the affected party. For those having a skin reaction, avoid excessive scratching as this could lead to infection. If these symptoms persist, see a physician immediately who can prescribe medicine to reduce the irritation.
· Eye Irritation. Watery, itchy eyes and eye redness may also result from over exposure to mold.
· Other Reactions. Other less common reactions may include fever, headaches or nose bleeds.
If mold is causing any of these health implications it will be important to have the issue addressed immediately. Recovery from these symptoms can never be fully attained if the source of the mold itself is not addressed. Even with treatment for these conditions, the continued presence of mold will only make the symptoms return. It will be important to treat the mold and remove it from the home to prevent these health symptoms from reoccurring in the future. It is highly recommended that professional mold removal experts be called to reduce the exposure to mold and thoroughly clean the home and its surfaces. A professional mold removal service has the knowledge, expertise and training required to perform the job safely and efficiently.
Treatment of Mold Exposure
The good thing is that the growth of mold can be controlled. Mold remediation or the process of mold cleanup begins by addressing the areas of moisture that are present within the home. Yes, it is very important to clean up the current mold problem. However, if the source of the mold growth is not addressed, the mold will keep coming back. Fixing the source of the moisture will ensure that mold cannot return and that the home remains mold-free at all times. For instance, fixing known leaks in plumbing or leaky roofs is one way to address moisture within the home. In addition, controlling humidity levels within the home and keeping it as dry as possible are other ways to address moisture. Furthermore, providing sufficient ventilation after activities that create high humidity such as cooking or showering is highly recommended. In the event of a flood, clean the home quickly, drying the home so that mold does not have an opportunity to form. Be aware that mold can grow underneath carpets so it is very important to dry flooded carpets as soon as possible or replace them altogether if a thorough dry is not possible.
Once the moisture problem has been addressed it will be important to clean away any mold that is visibly growing on surfaces. While some people choose common household cleaning agents such as a mix of soap and water followed by a simple mix of bleach or water to clean mold, this is not fully effective in treating mold. For instance, some mold may be viable (in a reproductive, living state) or non-viable. If mold is still viable, especially for porous materials like wood that retain water, the entire affected area may need to be replaced because the mold has gotten deep into the material and cannot be removed with a simple wipe of a surface. Drywall, carpeting and ceiling tiles are other areas that may need complete removal due to their porous nature. Therefore, it is always recommended that home owners contact their nearest mold inspection services to identify the type of mold in their home and to ensure all areas of moisture have been addressed. A mold remediation expert in NJ can provide insight into the best ways to address the home’s moisture and to fully remove the presence of the mold within the home. Remember to always wear protective clothing when cleaning mold including gloves, eyewear and a face mask to prevent inhalation of the mold spores. Removing mold will improve the living conditions of the homeowner and also improve the quality of their indoor air.
Contact mold clean up experts near you today to address a mold problem. While mold occurs naturally in the environment, an indoor mold problem can result in a variety of health hazards for homeowners and their families. Luckily, mold can be treated and removed with a few simple steps. First, address any areas of moisture within the home. Remember, mold cannot grow in the absence of moisture. A humid environment is one that supports the growth of mold so it is important to keep the home as dry as possible and the humidity low. This also applies to a lack of ventilation—if moisture has no way to dry, the likelihood that mold will appear increases. Next, consulting with professional cleanup experts who have the experience to identify areas of moisture in the home can provide the best insight into the mold problem. Cleaning up mold can improve the quality of life for homeowners and reduce any instances of mold-related health concerns. These may include but are not limited to allergic reaction, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, increased risk of respiratory infections and skin conditions such as rash to name a few.
Learn more about mold inspection services in NJ today. Top mold remediation specialists are available to speak today and to schedule a consultation.