Can Home At Home Cause Health Problems?
Home mold can cause problems other than just structural damage. While the smell of mold and mold stains on walls and ceilings are most noticeable, mold can also cause vague health problems in the long run.
According to data published by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, exposure to humid and moldy environments causes allergies and respiratory symptoms in some people. It can also trigger a seizure in people with asthma.
What exactly is mold?
Such a fungus can grow both indoors and outdoors. It usually occurs in very humid areas, such as ceilings and walls where water can leak, in windows, pipes, or other places that are in constant contact with water.
It can also grow on cardboard surfaces, wood surfaces, gypsum board, carpets and paint. Mold spores float and spread easily through the air to other parts as well. Home will thrive and grow if the environment is warm and humid.
According to an article in Environmental Health Perspectives , there are about 500 different species of fungi that are harmful to human health. However, the most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus.
Various molds
It is not known exactly how many different types of mold there are in the world. According to some estimates, there may be 100,000, while others estimate that there may be 300,000 or more. In any case, about 500 molds have been identified as potentially harmful to humans. The best known of these are:
- Alternaria belongs to the genus of fungi and usually grows in humid places in the home, such as shower rooms or under leaking sinks.
- Aspergillus mold can grow indoors, in dust, food, or building materials. It often causes allergies and can even be toxic and cause swelling and breathing problems.
- Cladosporium fungus grows in both cold and warm conditions, usually on fabrics and wood surfaces. It also causes allergies.
- Penicillium has a green or blue surface and a velvety structure. It usually grows in buildings or houses with water damage, as well as in carpets, wallpaper, and mattresses. Such mold in the home increases the risk of respiratory diseases.
- Acremonium mold has a special shade of pink, gray, orange or white. It usually grows in areas where moisture has condensed from humidifiers, water drainage trays, and window seals. It is one of the most dangerous mold species associated with diseases of the bone marrow and immune system.
How does home get home?
There are mold spores both indoors and outdoors, but they are not visible to the naked eye. These spores enter the home through windows, open doors, ventilation ducts, or air conditioning and heating systems.
They may also catch objects, such as clothing and shoes, and slip in with the person wearing them. They also often travel in pet fur. A home can grow if the home has the right kind of humidity for growth; otherwise, it will not cause any problems.
Home at home and health problems
A home home is usually not a problem unless the spores come in contact with damp areas and the area grows. There is a real health risk involved, especially if homeowners already have some pre-existing respiratory or immune system ailments.
Possible allergies
The growth of mold in the home can worsen the symptoms of allergic people. In particular, it triggers symptoms such as nasal congestion, itching of the nose and throat, sneezing, bleeding eyes and excessive mucus secretion.
In addition, early exposure to mold or moisture appears to increase the risk of asthma and runny nose, at least according to a study published in Allergy .
Increased risk of respiratory disease
Molds have also been linked to respiratory diseases other than allergies. A study reported in Environmental Health found that moisture and mold in the home significantly increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, and also the following:
- Allergic alveolitis
- Chronic rhinosinusitis, or prolonged sinusitis
- Inflammation of the sinuses
- Lower respiratory problems in previously healthy children
Home in the home can cause aspergillosis
Exposure to Aspergillus mold can lead to a serious disease known as aspergillosis. This can cause a severe infection that can even spread to other parts of the body. Its symptoms range from chronic cough to bloody sputum, fever, wheezing, and weight loss. It may also present with the following symptoms:
- Bone pain
- Chest pain
- Chill
- Decreased urine output
- Headache
- Breathing difficulties
- Impaired vision
- Skin changes
How to prevent home health problems caused by mold
Of course, the formation of mold and its health risks can often be avoided by means. The key is to make sure the home is clean, well ventilated and free of moisture. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that the humidity level be below 60%.
Other recommendations include:
- Repair any leaks and dry off water spills immediately.
- Install an air dryer to reduce indoor humidity.
- Open the windows to allow air to circulate.
- Install a cooker hood to absorb moisture during cooking.
- Avoid drying clothes indoors.
- Empty and ventilate cabinets, especially if you do not use them often.
- Regularly clean mold-prone surfaces such as walls, ceilings, furniture, etc.
- Use anti-mold agents to disinfect the bathroom and other damp areas.
- Call an expert about house structural problems that may contribute to mold growth.
Home at home is a reason to consult a doctor
Exposure to mold does not always cause health problems, but even so, it should be avoided at home. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of allergic or respiratory diseases. They should not be ignored as they can lead to serious repercussions.
Keep in mind that mold is not always to blame for the disease, but it can aggravate pre-existing ailments. It is therefore advisable to follow the expert’s recommendations to solve any moisture problems in the home as soon as possible.
