Mold is an unwanted, harmful living organism that grows in splotches on your damp walls. It is viewed as a silent intruder that can significantly affect your health, often only noticed once health problems appear. You often think of it as a small issue, but prolonged exposure, especially when the growth is in large quantities, can result in a wide range of health problems. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe respiratory issues and, in some cases, neurological conditions
According to RealTime Lab, of the 21.8 million people reported to have asthma in the U.S., nearly 4.6 million cases are estimated to be due to dampness and mold exposure in the home.
What makes mold so dangerous? Molds have microscopic spores, which are released into the air you breathe. These spores house allergens, irritants, and, at times, toxic substances known as mycotoxins, so when you inhale them, they enter your body and might trigger your immune system, resulting in a range of symptoms.
If mold is growing in your home, this blog will discuss the top risks linked with its exposure, the signs and symptoms, and who to approach for cleaning the splotches.
Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Issues
Allergic reactions and respiratory issues are among the most common health risks because of mold exposure. According to the CDC, for some individuals, mold can make their nose stuffy, throat sore, cough, wheeze, burning eyes, or skin rash as well. People with weak immunity and critical lung disease may get their lungs infected.
For sensitive individuals, mold spores are like pet dander or pollen, leading to several allergic responses. Again, this can happen to anyone, even when you don’t have a history of allergies, and people often delay proper treatment, assuming it’s a cold or hay fever.
Here are some common symptoms of mold allergies:
- Constant Sneezing: You may experience constant sneezing and a runny nose. This is your body’s natural defense mechanism, helping to remove the mold’s irritants.
- Red, Itchy, or Watery Eyes: The spores irritate the mucous membranes, causing red, itchy, and watery eyes.
- Cough and Sore Throat: Mold exposure can irritate your entire respiratory tract, resulting in coughing, wheezing, and sore throat.
- Hives or Rashes: If your skin comes in direct contact with the growth, it can lead to rashes, form hives, and a reaction known as dermatitis.
Asthma Develops
Mold exposure is a serious concern for individuals with pre-existing asthma. Inhaling the toxic spores on the wall triggers asthma, inflaming the airways, making you wheeze, feel tightness in the chest, and be short of breath.
Recent research is alarming, where, according to the UC Berkeley School of Public Health’s researcher Siyuan Xiao, childhood exposure to mold growing in houses increases risk for asthma, and this is more dangerous for boys than girls. It’s a serious risk because asthma development in childhood can be a lifelong condition.
Therefore, keep your house mold-free so your children do not fall victim to respiratory health problems.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
It is a less common health condition but a more severe one than other simple mold allergies. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is an inflammatory disease caused by a heightened immune response to organic dusts, including mold spores. The exposure tends to inflame your lungs, resulting in signs that look like pneumonia or the flu.
What are the symptoms? They are as follows:
- Fever: You get a fever and start shivering due to the temperature.
- Coughing: There is non-stop coughing, accompanied by shortness of breath.
- Muscle Aches: Due to fever, your body starts aching, and you lack the energy to move around.
- Weight loss: You lose your appetite, resulting in shocking weight loss.
Mycotoxin-Related Illnesses
There are some types of mold, identified as “toxic mold”. They are known to produce highly harmful chemical toxins called mycotoxins. Black mold is one of the most concerning toxic molds, often associated with heightened public concern.
These can be inhaled, consumed through food, or even absorbed via skin, impacting multiple bodily systems. The effects are still under study, but long hours of exposure are linked to a list of symptoms and conditions, which can also be severe at times:
- Neurological Symptoms: You experience neurological symptoms in the form of headaches, brain fog, memory loss, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating on your work.
- Systemic Effects: These are in the form of joint pain, general fatigue, and muscle aches.
- Immune System Suppression: Yes, mycotoxins can also weaken your immune system. This makes you more susceptible to infections.
- Infections: If you are living with a compromised immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, or are getting chemotherapy, be prepared, as mold can also result in fungal infections in the lungs or other organs.
While the presence of black mold is the most concerning, you should still address all molds with equal caution, as they are also capable of producing mycotoxins.
How Can You Decrease The Risks?
You can reduce the health risks of mold by controlling moisture, since that prevents growth in the first place.
Control Humidity
Try your best to keep the indoor humidity levels below 60%. You can use a dehumidifier in your damp areas, like basements, and switch on the air conditioner in the summer.
Immediately Fix Leakages
Within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure, mold can begin to grow. Therefore, promptly fix leaks from pipes, windows, and roofs.
Have Proper Ventilation
Turn on the exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchens to allow proper ventilation, especially when you are showering or cooking. Open windows to allow fresh air circulation.
Call Professionals
If the mold covers more than 10 square feet, then call professionals. Professionals can inspect your room and remove the growth with their specialized tools.
Conclusion
Now that you know the top health risks associated with mold exposure in your home, we hope you will immediately treat the unwanted and dangerous growth to protect your family’s health. For the removal, contact Water Damage Boca Raton.