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Regardless of how clean your home may be, mold can grow anywhere, especially damp areas that don’t get good ventilation. And in some cases, mold indoors can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or other respiratory issues.
If you notice the following symptoms, it could be a sign that you are suffering from an indoor mold infestation:
- Allergy symptoms: Nasal stuffiness, itchy or watery nose and eyes, frequent sneezing, dry cough.
- Skin symptoms: Rash, welts, hives over the skin.
- Migraine: Fungal spores may trigger migraine episodes.
- Asthma flare-ups: Mold is a potent allergen that can exacerbate asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Rarely, a severe reaction to mold may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis may require hospitalization if not detected in the early stages.
Who is at risk of mold sickness?
Mold exposure can affect anyone, even if there are no immediate symptoms. Some types of mold release substances called mycotoxins that can harm your health in the long run.
However, some people are more sensitive to the effects of mold, including:
- Young children
- Elderly people
- People with:
- Seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis
- Chronic respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occupational lung disease)
- Asthma
- People on immunosuppressant medications
How to prevent the growth of mold indoors
Mold often emits a distinct musty smell and may be black or gray, but color or odor is not an indication of how dangerous it is. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), any visible mold growing inside the house is a potential health hazard and should be removed as soon as possible.
The CDC recommends regular inspection of your building for evidence of water damage and visible mold. When molds creep inside your house through vents, ducts, flooring, or furniture, they become a reason for worry.
The only way to prevent the growth of mold indoors is by controlling moisture levels:
- Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and to keep humidity levels between 30%-50%. Anything higher causes fungal spores to mature and mold to spread over the house.
- Fix leaky roofs, windows, and pipes as soon as possible to prevent mold from returning.
- Keep your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room well-ventilated.
- Avoid carpet since it tends to retain moisture and becomes an ideal breeding ground for mold. Once mold starts to grow in carpet, the only way to deal with the problem is to remove it completely.
- If the infestation is mild, use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to kill the mold.
- If the infestation is severe, consider using professional mold removal services. Mold removal professionals use antimicrobial solutions to kill the mold, then use a sealant to make treated areas more resistant to moisture.
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