Is Living in a House with Mold Dangerous?

In caves, forests and other environments, mold and fungus breaks down decaying organic material and deposits nutrients into the surrounding soil, but it can cause significant health problems if it spreads in your home. Fortunately, most kinds of mold are generally innocent, but sometimes a little spot can grow to bigger proportions. When mold procreates, it frees spores into the air which can cause problems when inhaled by those with mold allergies or asthma. A few studies have also discovered a correlation between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children.

For many people, garden variety mildew or mold isn’t irritating or even obvious. That said, it can impact other folks who are allergy prone and who have asthma. In most cases, the density of the mold and sensitivity of a person’s allergies has the most effect on their response. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and other flu-like symptoms are most often experienced with mold allergies, making it difficult to pinpoint correctly. More serious allergies can cause harsh reactions like difficulty breathing. Anyone with asthma should be particularly careful near large populations of mold as it can cause asthma attacks. Other sensitive groups at risk include:

  • Infants and toddlers
  • The elderly
  • Those with a weak immune system
  • Anyone with chronic pulmonary disease

Where Mold can be Found

Mildew and mold will grow bigger over time in moist areas. A home can get a mold infestation through doors left open, windows, vents and HVAC systems. Mold doesn’t only enter your home through doors and windows. It can attach onto your clothes, backpacks, pets and shoes and be moved indoors.

Mold growth doesn’t only affect your family’s health– it can affect your possessions and the building itself. Mold commonly grows in wet places, but it can be found in places you may not expect. 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 certain preventative steps you can take. We suggest the following:

  • Install ventilation in showers, laundry rooms and kitchen
  • Control the humidity levels in your home
  • In the case of a flood, clean and dry your home meticulously
  • Promptly patch up leaky roofs, windows and pipes
  • Call professional mold damage restoration specialists for affordable mold removal

Call Us Immediately for Mold Removal Services

Are you concerned that there’s a mold infestation in your home that’s too much for you to tackle by yourself? Call the mold damage restoration professionals at Paul Davis. Call Paul! (724) 758-6540 for affordable mold removal.