There are many different things that exist in nature that can be dangerous or deadly to humans given the right circumstances. The same can be true of mold. Get to know more about mold and the ways it can occur in your home as well as the ways that you can get rid of it through mold remediation. Then, you will be able to protect your health and the health of the family as well, as better understanding of this common household problem helps in preventing it.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a common substance in nature. It grows in moist conditions in nature and spreads by releasing tiny particles called spores. These spores are not visible to the human eye but can have an effect on the human body if he person comes into contact with them (particularly if the spores are inhaled into the lungs).
There are a myriad of different types of mold in the world and all have slightly different effects and feed on different substances. However, the one thing that all types of mold have in common is that they require some form of moisture to grow and thrive.
How Does Mold Impact Human Health?
Although mold is a natural substance, it is not good for the human body. In fact, it can have severely negative impacts on a person’s health. All people are susceptible to the effects of mold and mold spores. However, young children, elderly people, and people who already have asthma or other respiratory issues.
The main problem with mold indoors is that the spores are more concentrated than they are outdoors in the natural world. When people have mold in their home or place of work, they breathe in a large number of those spores. Some of the common effects of mold growth indoors include:
- Itchy, irritated eyes
- Runny nose
- Sinus and nasal congestion problems
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash or other irritation
- Headaches
- Eye irritation
- Asthma
There have also been links made between mold exposure and other chronic lung and sinus problems as well as the development of certain types of cancer. Overall, the bottom line is that mold can have a serious negative impact on your health and the health of your family members.
How Do You Know If Your Home Has Mold?
Mold in the home can be detected in a few different ways. The easiest method is if mold is already visible. Look for mold in areas of your home that make have the most moisture like bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and attics.
Sampling is another method that can be used although you want to make sure to leave that to the professionals. Air sampling is the easiest way of doing this. The professional in mold remediation will take samples of the air inside and outside of your home. That air is then tested for mold spores to see if the indoor concentration is higher than the outdoor concentration.