The Health Effects of Mold Growth in Your Home

Of all the potential problems that can occur within a home, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth is one of the biggest concerns because it can cause property damage and leadLead is a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans, especiall... More to many different health problems for you and your family.  MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth often occurs as a result of water damage or high humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More and its sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More travel through the air and attach to new surfaces to foster growth.  Breathing in the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More is what causes adverse health effects so it is important to have any mold growth removed before it can spread.  The following is a discussion of the most common mild and severe health effects from moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More exposure.

Allergic Reactions from Mold Exposure

The most common health effects from mold exposure are allergic reactions.  For the most part, mild moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More exposure is not a big cause for concern except in individuals pre-disposed to allergies, but prolonged exposure can cause allergic reactions in healthy people.  These allergic reactions commonly include sneezing, coughing, runny noses, wheezing, skin irritation, and tearing and redness of the eyes.  MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More exposure can also trigger asthma attacks in those that have asthma and cause their symptoms to worsen.

While it is typically more common for these symptoms to occur in people with a predisposition to them, a 2004 study by the Institute of Medicine showed a connection between moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More exposure and upper respiratory tract symptoms in people that are otherwise healthy.  Therefore it is important to remove any moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth that you find because prolonged exposure can affect healthy people as well as those with allergies.

Severe Reactions from Mold Exposure

In some cases, allergic reactions to moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can become more severe but this is usually a rare occurrence.  These symptoms may include fever, difficulty breathing, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, and vomiting among others.  Severe reactions most commonly occur in people with prolonged exposure or who routinely work near a source of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More.

Infections from Mold Exposure

If the allergic reactions or moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More exposure are allowed to persist, then they could leadLead is a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans, especiall... More to full blown infections.  There are two types of infections that can occur from moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More; serious fungal infections and superficial fungal infections.

Serious Fungal Infections

Serious fungal infections are caused by pathogenic fungiFungi are a group of organisms, including mold, mildew, and ... More that include Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Cryptococcus, and Histoplasma.  These pathogensPathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or f... More can infect perfectly healthy people and trigger a fatal disease but the infections that involve deep tissue invasions typically only affect people with compromised immune systems.  If you or someone you know is in an immune-compromised state, you should take extra precaution to avoid moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More exposure, and begin looking into mold removal and remediation services.

Superficial Fungal Infections

Superficial fungal infections are infections of the skin or mucosal surfaces and they commonly occur in healthy people as well as those with compromised immune systems.  These types of infections can affect the feet (tinea pedis), nails (tinea onychornycosis), groin (tinea cruris), skin (tinea corporis), and mucosal surfaces.  The most common organism that causes superficial fungal infections is Trichopython rubrum which is found on indoor moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More.

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The best way to avoid allergic reactions and serious or superficial fungal infections from moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth is to prevent moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More exposure which is why it is important to consult a mold remediation professional as soon as you discover moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More in your home.  Short term, mild moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More exposure has a very low risk of causing adverse health effects but this risk increases the longer the exposure, even in healthy people.  By ensuring that your home is moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More free, you are not only saving your home from potential property damage, but you are also saving yourself and your family from moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More related allergic reactions or infections.

 

What are Symptoms of Mold Allergies?

Especially during the warmer seasons, avoiding moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can be extremely tough. For those who battle allergic reactions from the sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More, the symptoms can last for days, weeks, and even months, disallowing them to enjoy any of their daily activities.

Unfortunately, there are over 1,000 different species of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More that exist in the U.S. – a large portion of which are not even visible to the human eye. However, their presence can be noticed immediately, causing those with severe allergies to suffer until the mold is removed properly.

Locations of Mold

As you may already be aware, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More thrives off of organic materialsOrganic materials are derived from living organisms, such as... More and excess moisture. In homes and buildings, the structureStructure refers to the framework or components of a buildin... More provides the perfect host for these fungiFungi are a group of organisms, including mold, mildew, and ... More to thrive while the addition of water will allow for its development and growth.

Unfortunately, water damage is very common – due to its extent of possible causes – and can occur anywhere; therefore, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More will almost always occur wherever there is water damage. However, the most common locations within the property are known for hosting this intruding fungus can include the following:

• Behind the walls
• Crawlspaces
• Basements
• Attic
• Showers
• Under the floors
• Garages
• Window sills
• And more

They can also exist outside, such as within rotting trees, fallen leaves, grass, compost piles, and more. However, they are most common from the months of July until October.

Symptoms of Mold Allergies

Very similar to others, the symptoms of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More allergies can include the following:

• Itching
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Dry and scaling skin
• Breathing problems
• Asthma
• Hay fever

While some types of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can trigger these symptoms over time, others can cause them right away. However, if proper mold remediation does not happen right away, the symptoms can get worse over time. In addition, the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can spread to affect new areas, such as in the basement or your bathroom, worsening the situation for you and your building structureStructure refers to the framework or components of a buildin... More.

Although there are some foods that contain a fungus, such as mushrooms or yeast, or others containing yeast, such as bread and vinegar, they do not usually trigger a reaction. It is more likely their direct effect on the blood vessels that may trigger a reaction. In addition, fermented food, such as wine, contains a chemical called histamine, the same substance that is released by your allergy cells to cause a reaction; therefore, it can cause similar symptoms when consumed.

How to Diagnose a MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More Allergy from Symptoms

If you suspect you have a moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More allergy, it is important to visit a doctor to have it diagnosed properly. They will first take a medical history, followed by conducting several skin or allergic IgE blood tests. During these procedures, the doctor may also prick the skin with some fungiFungi are a group of organisms, including mold, mildew, and ... More extracts to see if you have a reaction. Finally, the doctor will use the combination of your medical history, skin testing results, and physical exams to determine if you have a moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More allergy.

How to Prevent an Allergic Reaction to Mold

While there is no cure for moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More allergies, there are ways to avoid a future reaction by preventing moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth on your property. Here are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More both in and outside:

Avoiding Outdoor Mold

• Save your outdoor vacations and activities for the seasons when moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More count is generally low.
• Wear a facial mask when doing outdoor chores, such as digging up plants, raking leaves, and mowing the lawn.

Preventing Mold on Your Property

• Decrease the indoor moisture or humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More. If any moisture remains, any air cleaners will not work. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More level in your home, keeping it below 35%.
• If you must use a humidifier for other purposes, make sure to clean the fluid reservoir at least twice each week to prevent bacteria growth.
• Prevent mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More accumulation within the home or building. Due to the amount of moisture and bacteria in these areas, bacteria will thrive, including: basements, crawlspaces, laundry areas, and bathrooms.
• Use air conditioning unit with HEPA filter. The HEPA filter will be able to trap all floating moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More while the traditional air cleaners will only reach a specific area. However, be careful to keep it away from heat, ozone, or electrostatic-related appliances.

Removing Mold Growth to Prevent Symptoms

While there are a number of measures you can take to prevent moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth within your home or building, sometimes it cannot be avoided. However, you should never try to remove it yourself, especially if you are allergic to it. This is because any home remedies will not only be ineffective but actually irritate the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and cause it to spread further.

In order to have it completely removed, it is best to hire a mold remediation professional. They will be able to apply unique products that are designed to remove the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More at its source. MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More specialists are effective and efficient at treating moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More. Not only will the technicians remove it completely, but they will also restore damage sustained within the building materials as well as identify areas at future growth. Contact your local provider today to get a free estimate for any moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth on your property.