The Impact of Mold on Your Health and Your Home
Most of us are aware of the dangers of mold where our physical health and homes are concerned. Mold is a fungus that thrives on moisture and reproduces by releasing its spores into the air. Though invisible to the naked eye, these spores easily spread and grow provided air and moisture are present. It grows on drywall, fabrics, insulation, and tile and enters a home through doorways, vents, and windows. It can also attach itself to your clothing and pets and enter your home that way.
Health Symptoms resulting from Mold Exposure
A cubic foot of air within your home can contain hundreds, if not thousands, of mold spores. So you can easily see why it poses a significant threat to your health. When these spores land on a surface that is damp or wet, they begin growing immediately and start to produce allergens, irritants, and substances that can eventually become toxic. The more common health symptoms of mold exposure include:
- eye irritations
- nagging cough
- concentration and memory problems
- body aches and pains, erratic mood swings, fevers, and headaches are often seen as mold-related health issues
- difficulty breathing and other respiratory problems
- nasal and sinus problems
- skin rashes
- sore throat
Individuals with pre-existing health conditions or who are allergic to mold could succumb to serious lung infections. Furthermore, asthma sufferers could see their condition get considerably worse over time. Recent research studies have suggested that there is a possible link between asthmatic children and the exposure to mold in the early stages of their development. That is why it is important that the indoor air is clean and healthy.
How Mold affects Your Home
Mold affects the condition and safety of your home as well as you and your family’s health. Because it thrives on air and moisture, mold growth is common around pipe, roof, and window leaks. It is especially common in flooded basement areas. Because it survives by feeding off its source, the source is almost always destroyed in the process. Consequently, getting rid of mold typically entails tearing out the drywall and wood as well as other materials used in the construction of a home.
Once mold has become a significant threat to health and home safety, the only solution is immediate remediation. This should be followed by a thorough, professional mold inspection shortly after the remediation process has been completed. This will ensure that the mold infestation is finally over.
For additional information regarding the impact of mold on your health and home, or to schedule a mold inspection, contact Florida Inspections Unlimited at 954-861-0666 today.