Mold can be a toxic and dangerous living substance that grows in very specific conditions. Mold typically thrives in damp and dark environments where temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mold can occur in your home, car, office or any other structure you and your family spend time in.
It is vital to be able to recognize mold, know its potential health effects and deal with it immediately, whether you’re going to live there for many years or you’re looking to sell your house in the near future. In many cases, mold growth is so widespread that the average homeowner cannot properly control and eliminate it themselves. Professional mold removal companies have the experience and tools required to assess the damage, and control and stop mold growth before it causes any further damage to human health.
EFFECTS OF MOLD ON HUMAN HEALTH
It is critical to identify and eliminate mold as soon as it begins to develop. Mold can be highly toxic and can have a long-lasting effect on human health depending on the species and the extent of exposure. Children, seniors, pregnant women and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mold. Mold is such a severe health issue that organizations like the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have all researched and published findings on the links between this toxic substance and different illnesses and health conditions.
Here are some of the important health effects of mold exposure:
- Mold Sensitivity: Some people are particularly sensitive to mold, while others can develop a sensitivity over time due to prolonged exposure. Other people may have more sensitive mold allergies and can be severely affected by it. Mold sensitivity includes symptoms like:
- Chest and nasal congestion
- Coughing, sneezing and wheezing
- Sore throat
- Watering, dry or sore eyes
- Skin irritation
- Headaches
- Mold-Related Infections: People with compromised immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) are much more susceptible to mold’s health hazards. In fact, people with these types of conditions can potentially develop infections in their lungs due to mold exposure.
- Respiratory Conditions: In addition to mold being bad for people with existing lung illnesses, mold exposure can also potentially cause respiratory conditions in otherwise healthy people. This includes symptoms such as upper respiratory tract problems, coughing and wheezing and shortness of breath. It is also linked to developing respiratory illnesses like asthma in certain people who are likely more susceptible. This is particularly concerning for healthy children who may go on to develop asthma or other types of respiratory illnesses. For those who currently suffer from asthma, mold exposure can intensify symptoms and cause asthma attacks.
- Severe and Chronic Conditions: Certain types of mold produce mycotoxins, a dangerous toxic by-product that can be absorbed by the skin, airways and intestinal lining. Prolonged exposure to mycotoxins can lead to severe and even deadly conditions. Some of the potentially dangerous symptoms of mycotoxigenic exposure include:
- Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lungs)
- Cancer
- Pulmonary bleeding
- Immune and blood disorders
- Liver and kidney conditions
- Neurotoxicity (toxic nervous system)
- Pregnancy conditions
- Digestive and heart conditions
If you suspect you might have Mold in your home or Office please give us a call tel:941-444-6353
