Ways Mold Can Harm Your Health

As long as you keep your home mostly clean and dry, you likely don’t deal with mold often. You may notice some when you clean your showers, but that’s probably about it. Sometimes, though, mold develops faster than you can control. It may show up in your crawlspace, attic, or basement, and when it grows in large quantities, it can harm your health.

Mold Can Cause Allergic Reactions

Mold contains allergens, which means that it can cause harmful immune reactions in some people. Allergic reactions can mimic common cold symptoms. Those who have this allergy may experience coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, rashes, and other issues. Just like all allergic reactions, these reactions can be severe. It’s important to note that mold can also cause adverse reactions in people who do not have allergies. Even those without a diagnosable allergy can be more sensitive than others to its effects.

Mold Can Trigger Asthma Symptoms

People with asthma should be especially careful to avoid damp environments. Moldiness often triggers asthma symptoms including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can quickly turn into an emergency situation. Some studies have even suggested that moldy places might cause asthma in people who may not have otherwise developed the condition. It’s very important to keep children, especially those who are susceptible to asthma, far away from damp places where mold and mildew may grow.

Staying in Control

Thankfully, you do have ways to keep this health hazard out of your home. Because moldiness develops in damp places, be sure to keep your home dry. If you live in a humid environment, a dehumidifier can keep moisture away from the basement and other at-risk areas. Dry your showers and bathtubs after each use. Some bathroom cleaning products are formulated to get rid of mold. You can use these to eliminate mold that has already developed and to prevent it from forming.

When Mold is Beyond Your Control

Sometimes mold is unavoidable. If floodwater, burst pipes, or leaks have impacted your house, mold growth can quickly get out of control. The Center for Disease Control recommends carefully cleaning and drying all impacted areas after flooding or leaking. The best way to make sure you get rid of all growth is to hire a professional cleaning service. An expert will get rid of all the visible mold and will also clean out difficult spaces. Mold can return if not completely destroyed, so for your health and safety, you should make sure to remove all of it. If you need help removing the mold from your home, Belmont Clean+Restore can make your home clean and healthy again. Call us today at (970)-355-3262.