What is the Danger of Living in a Home with Mold?

While mold plays a big part in the natural world, it can be a nuisance if it enters your home. Luckily, most types of mold are generally harmless, but sometimes a small patch may later turn into a large problem. When mold reproduces, it frees spores into the air which can cause problems when inhaled by those with mold sensitivities or breathing issues. A few studies have also found a link between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children.

For many people, garden variety mildew or mold isn’t harmful or even noticeable. That said, it can affect other people who are allergy prone or who have asthma. Usually, the concentration of mold and degree of someone’s allergies has the most effect on their response. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and other flu-like reactions are most often seen with mold allergies, making it hard to target the problem correctly. The most severe reactions include difficulty breathing. Those with asthma must be particularly cautious near large populations of mold because it may trigger asthma attacks. Additional sensitive groups at risk include:

  • Infants and toddlers
  • Seniors
  • Those with a weak immune system
  • Those with chronic pulmonary disease

Where Mold can be Found

Mold and mildew does grow bigger over time in damp areas. Your house can get a mold infestation through open doorways, windows, vents and air conditioning and heating systems. Mold doesn’t only invade your house through windows and doors– it can also fasten onto your clothes, knapsacks, pets and shoes and be moved indoors.

Mold growth can affect your family’s physical well-being, as well as your possessions and the structure itself. Mold growth usually occurs in wet places, but it can be found in places you might not expect. These include:

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

Mold Prevention

When it comes to stopping mold from getting into your home, there are preventative steps you can take. Here’s some steps you can take:

  • Set up ventilation for showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
  • Monitor the humidity levels
  • If there’s a flood, clean and dry your house carefully
  • Repair leaky roofs, windows or pipes as soon as possible
  • Contact professional mold damage repair specialists for affordable mold remediation

Call Us Immediately for Mold Remediation Services

If you have mold present in your house that’s too much to take care of on your own, call the mold remediation professionals at Paul Davis. Call Paul! (301) 948-8008 for affordable mold remediation.