Indoor moisture can result in the appearance of mold in the home. Active mold growth requires moisture. Mold can grow on walls, ceilings, books, toys, carpets, and more. It actively damages the material that it grows on. Molds produce spores that spread while floating in the air. Indoor molds are unsightly and could smell earthy and unpleasant. However, the potential problems that result from mold growth in the home can be more serious. It may affect the structural integrity of the home and it is associated with health problems in humans.
Health Issues that Result from Mold
Having mold in the home can result in a host of health issues.
- Allergies
Mold exposure can cause allergies in people who are already predisposed to it. It may also result in the occurrence of hypersensitivity pneumonia and asthma. It could be newly-diagnosed asthma or worsening of existing asthma. The symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, an itchy throat, watery eyes, and sneezing.
- Breathing Problems
As mold spreads, organic compounds can enter the air. The presence of mold compounds in the air produces irritants and toxins which result in breathing problems for individuals who have sensitivities to them.
- Bronchitis and Respiratory Infections
Spending time in moldy and damp indoor spaces increase the likelihood of bronchitis and respiratory infections.
- Infection
Most people with good immune systems are not severely affected by the presence of mold indoors. For people with weakened immune systems however, exposure to mold may put them at risk of infections, particularly through exposure to a type of mold called black mold. Although there is a commonly-held belief that exposure to black mold will cause serious conditions, there is no scientific evidence to prove this. The presence of mold will only further aggravate those who already have compromised immune systems such as people with HIV, undergoing cancer treatment, or transplant patients.
Other health issues that individuals experience while being exposed to a mold-infested environment are fatigue, wheezing, nausea, headache, skin and eye irritation, and mucous membrane irritation.
The health issues associated with mold growth in the home is a major concern. If mold is clearly present in your home as determined by a reputable inspector, then you should employ the services of mold removal companies. If you need mold removal in your crawl space, basement, or other areas of your home, professional services are available to get the job done thoroughly and efficiently. You can also prevent mold growth or eliminate the root cause of mold by getting water damage restoration services.
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