The Health Dangers of Mold

In the wild, mold deteriorates rotting material and enriches the surrounding soil, but it can cause significant health problems if it spreads in your house. Thankfully, most types of mold are typically easy to ignore, but sometimes a small patch can grow to large proportions. Mold reproduces using spores that are released into the air and causes problems when inhaled by people with mold sensitivities or asthma. According to a few studies, there might be 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 is nontoxic and goes undetected. However, it can have an effect on other people who are sensitive and who have asthma. Mold sensitivities are common for many of the population and hit at various times depending on the amount of mold. If you are allergic to mold, you’ll probably have cold-like symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose when mold is nearby. More severe allergies can cause harsh reactions like difficulty breathing. Anyone with asthma should be particularly cautious near large populations of mold because it can cause asthma attacks. Other groups at risk include:

  • Infants and toddlers
  • Those 65 and up
  • Immune sensitive individuals
  • Anyone with chronic lung disease

Where Mold can be Found

Mildew and mold will grow bigger over time in damp areas. Mold can enter your home through doors left ajar, open windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold doesn’t only enter your home through open windows and doors– it can also attach onto your clothes, bags, animals and shoes and be transported your home.

If the amount of mold in your home exceeds normal levels, it can affect the health of your family, your possessions and the building itself. Mold usually 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

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

  • Set up ventilation for showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
  • Monitor the humidity levels in your home
  • In the case of a flood, clean and dry your home meticulously
  • Immediately patch up leaky roofs, windows and pipes
  • Talk to Paul Davis mold damage restoration contractors for affordable mold damage restoration

Call Paul Davis Immediately for 24/7 Emergency Mold Damage Restoration Services

If you have mold present in your home that’s too much to tackle on your own, contact the mold removal experts at Paul Davis. Call Paul! (850) 576-7378 for affordable mold damage restoration.