Is Living in a Home with Mold Hazardous?

In nature, mold breaks down rotting organic material and deposits nutrients into the soil around it, but it can cause major health problems if it blooms in your house. Thankfully, most types of mold are generally innocent, but sometimes a small patch may later turn into a huge problem. When mold reproduces, it releases spores into the air which can cause problems when inhaled by those with mold allergies or asthma. A few studies have also found a correlation between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children.

For most, household mold isn’t harmful or even noticeable. Unfortunately, it can affect other people who are sensitive and who have breathing problems. In most cases, the density of the mold and severity of a person’s allergies will effect their reaction. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and other flu-like symptoms are commonly experienced with mold and mildew allergies, making it hard to pinpoint accurately. More serious allergies can cause harsh reactions like difficulty breathing. Anyone with asthma should be especially cautious around large populations of mold as it can cause asthma attacks. Additional sensitive groups at risk include:

  • Babies and kids
  • Seniors
  • Immune sensitive individuals
  • People with severe lung disease

Where Mold can be Found

Commonly found in damp places, mold and mildew will grow bigger over time. Mold can find its way into your house through open doorways, windows, vents and HVAC systems. Mold doesn’t only invade your house through doors and windows– it can fasten onto your clothes, knapsacks, pets and shoes and be transported indoors.

Mold growth can affect your family’s health, as well as your possessions and the structure itself. Mold commonly grows in wet places, but it can be found in unexpected places. These include:

  • Paper products
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Cardboard
  • Wood products
  • Paints
  • Insulation
  • Drywall
  • Upholstery

Mold Prevention

You can take preventative steps to make sure that mold doesn’t make its way into your house. We suggest the following:

  • Build in ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen
  • Manage the humidity levels in your house
  • In the case of flooding, meticulously clean and dry your house
  • Promptly fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes
  • Contact your local mold damage repair contractors for affordable mold remediation

Call Paul Davis Today for Mold Remediation Services

Are you concerned that there’s a mold infestation in your house that’s too much for you to handle by yourself? Call the mold remediation professionals at Paul Davis. Call Paul! (636) 324-4011 for affordable mold remediation.