Molds are microscopic organisms that feed on plants, decaying leaves, and food. Molds help with decomposition and are good for the environment. Mold spores are small and light. Molds can induce allergic reactions similar to plant pollen in excessive amounts.
Mold spores can induce sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, and weariness. Allergies may be exacerbated by mold exposure. Mold contamination of indoor air worsens these issues. Under certain situations, Stachybotrys and Aspergillus can produce mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can make people sicker.
Because of the critical nature of dampness and mold growth, it is essential that we know more about them. Read on to discover more.
Finding Mold and Mildew in Structures
Mold is common in homes and buildings. Mold grows in areas with leaking roofs, windows, pipes, and flooding. Mold prefers materials such as wood, paper, cardboard, and ceiling tiles. Mold can develop on a variety of surfaces, including dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, cloth, and upholstery.
The most prevalent indoor fungi are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. The prevalence of mold in buildings and homes is unknown.
The Growth and Spread of Mold Indoors
Mold may grow both indoors and outside. Mildew enters through open doors, windows, vents, and HVAC systems. Mold from the outside can cling to clothing, shoes, and pets and be carried inside. Mold spores thrive in moist areas such as roofs, pipes, walls, planters, and floods. Mold grows in a variety of building materials. Mold grows best in moist cellulose materials including paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products. Mold growth is aided by dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, sheetrock, carpet, cloth, and upholstery.
Discovering mold indoors may not be difficult. In fact, large mold infestations are visible and odorous, making them easily noticeable.
The Impact of Mold on Human Health
Moldy and wet conditions may or may not be hazardous to one’s health. For mold-sensitive people, mold often causes nasal congestion, wheezing, red or irritated eyes, and skin irritation.
Mold allergies and asthma can also cause severe symptoms. For example, farmers who work with damaged hay may experience severe reactions. Additionally, severe complications include fever and shortness of breath.
Molds can cause allergic responses. Individuals with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are particularly vulnerable to fungal infections. Asthmatic and COPD patients may have trouble breathing. Molds can infect immunocompromised people.
Indoor mold exposure was linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in healthy people, asthma symptoms in asthmatics, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in sensitive people by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2004.
The WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mold were published in 2009. Executive Summary Recent research has linked early mold exposure to asthma in some children, particularly those who are genetically predisposed to asthma, and has shown that home modifications can reduce the prevalence of asthma and respiratory allergies.
Molds, including Stachybotrys chartarum, have not been linked to any further health issues, such as baby acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage, memory loss, or lethargy. Acute idiopathic bleeding and its health implications require more research.
Unfortunately, mold cannot be detected with a blood test. Although some doctors can screen for mold allergies, there is no scientifically proven test for mold exposure.
The Prevention of Mold Growth Indoors
Check structures for water damage and mold on a regular basis. To avoid mold formation, repair water leaks, condensation, infiltration, and flooding.
One can control indoor mold growth by doing the following: humidifying; replacing leaking roofs, windows, and pipes as soon as possible; cleaning up after flooding; and ventilating the shower, laundry room, and kitchen.
Conclusion
Nobody wants a home or an office space that is damp and moldy. Mold, indeed, makes human health vulnerable, meaning it is critical that we prevent the occurrence and the growth of mold. Thankfully, with the help of professionals, you can keep mold away from your property.
Are you in need of mold removal services? One Call Services is a reliable team that can swiftly assist you in mold remediation. Contact us today!
