Mold is a severe issue. But it often goes undetected for several years. It sneaks into corners and nooks and thrives in dark and wet areas. Once a house has mold, the house owner is in a world of trouble. Mold can occur because of a cold winter season, humid summers, or even internal leaks. It grows on walls, CDs, or books and turns loved articles into the trash. Mold also spreads quickly. Therefore, it can harm your entire house within a few days.
Most importantly, mold has a detrimental impact on our health.
What is mold?
A form of fungus, mold has several types. It can grow indoors and outdoors. It develops and eats like other fungi. So, it spreads like mushrooms and bacteria. Mold spreads through spores that float in the air.
While mold spores naturally occur in the environment, they thrive in moist and warm conditions. Therefore, when spores land on a damp spot, they take root. It can survive on fabric, glass, and plastic. As the mold grows, it digests the material. So, it weakens the structure by making it hollow.
Keep an eye on your house:
Keeping an eye on your house is the only way to discover a mold problem. But, homeowners may not have the expertise to identify the issue. Therefore, they must contact experts to help them catch early signs of mold. Click on https://www.removemoldorlando.com/orlando-florida/ to learn more about mold removal and professional help.
Different types of mold:
There are millions of types of mold. However, not all types of mold appear in homes. Following are some types of molds in the household. Mold such as Alternaria occurs in damp places. Therefore, it is present in showers and near sinks in most houses.
Another kind of mold, Aspergillus, grows on powdery items and building material. So, drywalls in the attic usually have Aspergillus.
Lastly, Penicillium is the most prevalent mold in houses. It grows on items with water damage. Therefore, walls with a blue or green appearance have Penicillium mold.
How does mold enter our house?
Mold spores are everywhere. They reach inside through the ventilation system or open windows. Sometimes, they may attach to our clothes or pets. However, mold requires a conducive environment to thrive. Therefore, places with an unsuitable atmosphere do not have an issue with mold.
Places with leaks and floods are prone to mold build-up. Areas without air ventilation are also at risk of mold. Once the mold starts growing, it will continue to spread as long as the conditions are right for it to thrive. And, without getting it removed by California mold remediation services, or a similar company, if you live outside of California, the mold will continue creating health hazards.
Mold and your health:
Mold is detrimental to our health. It can have a devastating effect on people with allergies or those struggling with a respiratory issue. People with a weak immune system should steer clear of moldy places because they may get fungal infections. Furthermore, patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders are at higher risk of complications from mold.
- Breathing issues: When mold grows, unstable organic compounds, spores, cells, and fragments enter the atmosphere. These particles produce allergens and irritants which are toxic. The items irritate our lungs and nose. Therefore, people who are sensitive to these organisms may find it challenging to breathe. Patients with asthma or chronic lung conditions should stay away from the mold. According to 2009 research, children who come in contact with mold are at risk of asthma and breathing issues.
- Allergy: People sensitive to mold may develop fever, seasonal allergies, or other symptoms. Therefore, they may have a runny nose, an itchy throat, or watery eyes. Touching moldy substances can also cause headaches, wheezing, and coughs. Patients may also develop skin rashes or eye irritation.
- Aspergillosis: Aspergillus is a type of mold. It can cause severe health issues in patients. People with existing lung disease may have an immediate reaction to inhaling the mold. For example, Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis causes painful headaches and congestion in patients. Furthermore, patients may develop fungus balls. This disease also produces breathing problems.
- Other issues: Mold triggers the production of microbes. Therefore, some people may have an inflammatory response to mold. Consistent contact with mold can produce chronic conditions in people. For example, children may develop bronchitis and chronic rhinosinusitis because of a moldy environment.
Mold and your house:
Mold thrives by eating away at the host. Therefore, it causes severe damage to properties. Homeowners with mold may have damaged hardwood floors or discoloration. Building materials may also warp or crack because of moisture and mold.
Mold also grows on doors, damaging the integrity of the wood. Therefore, doors may rot because of the moisture and moldy conditions. The damage may start from the edges as the corners crumble into pieces.
What can you do to prevent mold?
When it comes to mold, prevention is better than cure. So, homeowners should remain vigilant. Controlling moisture is fundamental to preventing mold growth. Furthermore, a ventilated and clean space is less likely to have mold.
According to the EPA, humidity in houses should be below 60 percent. But, how can we reduce humidity in the home? Homeowners should use dehumidifiers to minimize moisture. They should also open windows to allow fresh air inside the house.
Conclusion:
All houses have mold spores in the environment. However, mold spores may not affect everyone. Patients with a compromised immune system or those suffering from lung spores may become ill because of decay. Homeowners should keep their spaces clean, dry, and ventilated to prevent mold.
