Can Mold Really Be That Bad?
You know that moldy food can make you sick. We throw away moldy bread and we don’t even open last month’s leftovers when we see the tell-tale fuzz growing inside the old container. Mold has been associated with spoilage since the beginning of time. There are some molds that are good, though, such as that which ripens certain types of blue cheese and that which is used in penicillin. However, those are very specific molds that are handled in a controlled environment by specialists who know their molds. And this is most definitely not the same mold that grows in your home when dampness occurs.
Mold needs moisture; in fact, when moisture comes in to your home, it thrives! Many people believe different things about mold in the home. Some people think that mold can cause extreme sickness in anyone who breathes it in; some people believe that mold is deadly. Others take mold less seriously, thinking that it is a minor irritation that they will deal with and remove when they have the time. Somewhere in the middle lies the truth. Here’s what you should know about mold and its growth, and how it can affect you.
The most susceptible and sensitive people to mold are those who have:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Breathing Conditions
- Lung Disease
- Immune Suppression
Effects of mold exposure include:
- Stuffy Nose
- Eye Irritation
- Wheezing
- Shortness of Breath
- Skin Irritation
- Breathing Difficulties
These symptoms are not fun for anyone to endure and the sooner you rid your home of mold, the better. You’ll need to find the source of the moisture. Do you have problems with the roof? Drainage issues? Was your home flooded? Any of these things can cause dampness and moisture that lead to mold. Find the problem and fix it to prevent future moisture.
Remove any mold that you can find. You might be able to remove the mold on your own, but you must be very careful to follow CDC and EPA suggestions in order to do it safely. Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear at all times and be sure that there is plenty of fresh air for ventilation. Know what cleaners work best for mold removal and be sure not to mix certain types of cleaners with others.
If you find that you would be more comfortable having a professional help you with mold removal, consider AA Action Waterproofing. We have experience with mold removal that can take the guesswork out of your hands. Our professional staff will get your home dry and clear and your family will be breathing clean air in no time. We can even help to fix some of those problems that caused the dampness in the first place.
Call us today whether you’re in the DC area, Pennsylvania, or anywhere in between.