4 Surprising Facts About Home Mold You Might Not Know

Mold is everywhere - it's almost impossible to create a mold-free environment, but we can at least control it. It's not a serious problem to most people if limited interaction is the occasional growth on our cheese. But some people are especially sensitive to mold and if mold starts to thrive, it can cause serious health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can cause coughing and wheezing, sinus problems, skin or eye irritation, and serious lung infections.

1. Mold Can Trigger Asthma

A high level of exposure to mold spores can more than double a child's chances of developing asthma before they have their eighth birthday. Factors like wet walls, leaking roofs, and contaminated air ducts or humidifiers can host fungal infections.

2. Mobile Homes Are At Greater Risk

People living in mobile homes have a heightened risk of developing mold problems. If the manufactured home was not installed properly, there is additional risk of mold growing underneath, ready to invade the living space at first opportunity. In order to moisture in the crevices of the home, one should do regular maintenance checkups to ensure that mold and bacteria cannot form.

3. Black Mold Can Be Especially Dangerous

Black mold is especially worrisome because it releases spores as it feeds on drywall, carpet, wet flooring and insulation. People most often respond with nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues. Always seek a professional to help eliminate this mold from your home and breathing space.

4. Prevent Mold Problems By Responding To Water Leak Issues

Most professionals like First General Services encourage you to get aid for any kind of water damage as quickly as possible. Getting the water removed and seeing that there is enough ventilation to permit speedy drying is best done within two days of the incident, if possible. This would be an effective means of preventing a serious mold infestation, and prevention is certainly better than cleanup after mold has caused health problems. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused so much damage in New Orleans, mold problems were considered almost certain by the CDC. Their report, Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods, contains valuable information for anyone, homeowner or professional, who is dealing with the aftermath of a flood, or any situation that causes extensive water damage that could lead to mold hazards.