Mold In Your Home – Important Facts To Know
Every home contains some amount of mold. Molds are in the outdoor environment and are airborne, so Maryland residents will experience some exposure to these spores on any given day. The greater concern arises from people who are sensitive to the fungi, especially when they live in dwellings where there is a greater proliferation of colonies.
Another concern is that people can also develop a sensitivity after prolonged exposure to mold. This happens as a result to the immune system being constantly bombarded with impulses to contain the mold spore that are affecting the physiology. When this action continues over time, the immune system becomes overly sensitive, and may launch a large scale physical attack, even if there are very few spores that have been inspirited.
Do You Have A Mold Allergy?
Many people are not even aware that they have a mold allergy, especially since it can be so difficult to pinpoint triggers from these microorganisms. At AA Action Waterproofing, part of our mold remediation services do include inspecting the home and assessing mold levels. Even this type of evaluation can offer owners a better insight into how factors within the home could be negative to health.
Most mold allergies do mimic low grade flue and cold symptoms, as well as other allergic manifestations. Common reactions can include:
- Nasal stuffiness
- Eye irritation
- Wheezing
- Skin irritation
Sensitive individuals may also experience more severe reactions that can be misdiagnosed as other health problems through a cursory glance. These reactions can also be exacerbated by existing concerns that also exhibit as symptoms.
- Asthma
- Chronic respiratory infections
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Obstructive lung disease
These can further lead to mold infections within the lungs, instead of just a reaction to the spore load in the indoor air conditions. Once a mold based infection has settled in the lungs, then it can require comprehensive treatment that can take anywhere from several months to several years to eradicate. This will include chronic symptoms that are directly related to the mold reaction:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Pneumonitis
- Immune and auto-immune sensitivities
Another great concern with mold infiltration is that it can have a greater impact on children than adults. This includes the development of asthma and other respiratory ailments in youths who are otherwise health and do not exhibit any other wellness concerns. However, mold exposure can result in a chronic condition with lifetime implications.
Addressing Mold At The Source
Although mold in your home can be present anywhere, it is most common for fungus to colonize in damp and cooler areas of the house. While some of these may be outdoor concerns such as leaf and wood piles near to home or high grass that becomes mildewed through the winter and spring, a number of mold concerns are based within the dwelling. Damp basements or crawl spaces that hold standing water can all become a breeding ground for colonies.
While reducing humidity levels in the home can include extracting extra moisture from the air, it can also include ensuring that no further moisture will become a factor. By contacting AA Action Waterproofing, homeowners can look into waterproofing measures that will also protect the home from becoming more susceptible to mold infiltration.