Mold can be an invasive force that not only looks horrible, but it can also pose a serious health risk.
If you think you’re living in a house with mold, there are several things you need to be aware of to stay safe.
This guide explains seven real dangers that come with having mold in your home so you can take the steps to get rid of it and enjoy a healthier living space.
1. The Risk of Respiratory Problems is High
If there’s mold in your house, your risk of dealing with an upper respiratory problem is very high. Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and lung irritation is prevalent in people who breathe in most forms of mold.
Even if you’re normally healthy, being exposed to mold can increase your risk of respiratory problems. People with asthma are affected even more profoundly since mold can irritate the condition.
Other respiratory issues related to mold include pneumonia and infection of the lungs.
2. Mold Can Get in Anywhere
You may be surprised to know that you can find mold both indoors and outdoors. Mold can get into your house through open doors, windows, heating and AC systems, and vents.
If there is mold present in the outside air, it can attach itself to your shoes, clothes, and even your pets! Once the mold is attached, it is brought inside where it can spread and grow.
Anywhere there is moisture present, there is a possibility that mold will flourish. Leaky windows, roofs, and pipes are common causes of mold and once it begins, it can spread to walls, ceilings, carpet, and furniture.
3. You Can’t Always Tell You’re Living in a House with Mold
Although many types of mold present themselves in bold green or black colors, sometimes, it’s not always easy to tell that mold is present. Even tiny spores can affect your health, but they’re not visible to the naked eye.
In order to be sure that your home is mold-free, a professional inspection is advised. You can determine the mold inspection cost and then get one scheduled if you think mold may be present in your home.
If you or your children have allergies or asthma, it’s worth it to confirm whether or not there’s mold in the house. This inspection will give you peace of mind so you don’t need to worry about the harsh side effects of mold.
4. Certain People Are Affected More by Mold
If you’re a healthy person, you might not feel any kind of health effects from the presence of mold in your home. On the other hand, certain segments of the population are much more vulnerable to health issues due to mold exposure.
Young children and the elderly are both more prone to experiencing harsh symptoms as a result of breathing in mold. If you already have allergies or asthma, you’ll also likely suffer.
Other people who are at a higher risk include people with autoimmune disorders and those with cancer. Certain treatments like chemotherapy may also make exposure to mold more difficult to deal with.
5. Mold Can Damage Your House
The presence of mold is not just ugly and potentially dangerous, it can also pose a risk to your home’s structural integrity. If there is a lot of moisture present inside your house, this moisture can spread to things like the drywall and wood framing.
If mold is in the home, that means there’s a serious moisture issue. Any excess exposure to moisture can wreak havoc on a house if it’s not remedied as soon as possible.
The longer the moisture and the mold are present, the greater the odds that you’ll need to make repairs. Try to remediate mold as soon as you can to prevent further damage to your home.
6. Beware of Black Mold
Mold and mildew come in a variety of strains and types. If you’re living in a house with mold, you need to be sure it’s not black mold or else your health problems can become extreme.
The dangers of exposure to black mold increase over time, wreaking havoc on your body. Signs of black mold exposure may start with wheezing, sneezing, or coughing.
As time goes on, the black mold can cause fatigue and lethargy, strong headaches, and breathing troubles. See a doctor as soon as you can and remove yourself from areas with mold until it’s completely eradicated.
7. Wet Climates are More Vulnerable
If you live in an area with high humidity or a lot of rain, you’re more vulnerable to having mold in your home. Humid air can cause mold spores to grow and increase at a rapid pace.
Make sure your home is graded so that water flows away from the foundation. Seal all windows and doors and look for signs of condensation or humidity buildup.
Anywhere that moisture is present can make mold grow, so be especially vigilant if you live in areas where this is the case.
Prevention is the Key
To avoid living in a house with mold, preventing it from forming in the first place is your best line of defense. Be aware of the symptoms of mold exposure, and consider getting an inspection just so you can be sure there’s no mold in your home.
Pay close attention to wet areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. Once you’re aware of what mold looks like and what it can do, you have a better chance of getting rid of it quickly.
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